Overview
- Paulina Reyes, 22, was charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, and possessing an instrument of crime after a Jan. 19 encounter on a South Philadelphia bus.
- She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance, with a Philadelphia court date set for March 3 before Judge Joffie Pittman.
- Prosecutors cite cellphone footage and SEPTA surveillance video as evidence, and Attorney General Dave Sunday said “violence will not be tolerated” while alleging Reyes also punched Francis (Frank) Scales.
- The case was brought by mass transit prosecutor Michael Untermeyer in coordination with SEPTA Transit Police under the state’s authority for SEPTA-related crimes.
- The video drew millions of views and attention from right-leaning influencers and Elon Musk, and Reyes says she acted in self-defense and has since received death and sexual-violence threats.