A Philadelphia woman is facing criminal charges after police say she used a skateboard to strike a horse-carriage driver in Central Park while confronting the men over what she described as mistreatment of the animals.
The New York Police Department told News Media that Abigail Holbrook, 27, allegedly hit one man in the face and shoulder with a skateboard before punching another man in the face during Tuesday’s confrontation.
Officers were called to the area of 59th Street and West Drive after someone reported the incident to 911.
Police say Abigail Holbrook struck one of the men with her skateboard during the confrontation. (Ali Yildirim)
Video from the scene allegedly shows Holbrook holding the skateboard as she approaches and hits a man wearing a brown jacket.
During the confrontation, she can be heard claiming, “Horses do not do well in New York City, they are sensitive to light and noise and the people that use these horses are animal abusers.”
Holbrook is shown in a heated verbal confrontation with one of the horse-carriage drivers. (Ali Yildirim)
As the argument escalated, Holbrook turned toward the person filming and shouted, “Are you proud of this? Man behind the camera!”
The Transport Workers Union condemned the encounter, calling it “outrageous and unacceptable.”
Police have charged Abigail Holbrook in connection with the alleged assault of two horse-carriage drivers. (Ali Yildirim)
Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of TWU Local 100, called for greater police visibility near horse-carriage stands throughout the park.
“We need a more visible police presence for our members at horse-carriage stands in the park to protect against these wackos,” Kemp said. “This is their place of work and people are coming just to harass and attack them. People deserve to be safe at work.”
Holbrook appears to move toward the individual recording the confrontation. (Ali Yildirim)
News Media has contacted Holbrook for comment.