Watch: Animal Rights Activist Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Carriage Driver With Skateboard
A Philadelphia woman is facing charges after police say she used a skateboard to assault two horse carriage drivers in Central Park while accusing them of abusing their horses.
The New York Police Department told News Outlet that Abigail Holbrook, 27, allegedly “struck one male in the face and shoulder with a skateboard and punched the second male in the face” Tuesday.
Officers responded to the area of 59th Street and West Drive after receiving a 911 call about the altercation.
Police say Abigail Holbrook struck a victim with her skateboard during the altercation. (Ali Yildirim)
Video from the scene appears to show Holbrook holding a skateboard and striking a man wearing a brown jacket.
She can be heard saying, “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.”
Near the end of the heated exchange, she turns toward the camera and shouts, “Are you proud of this? Man behind the camera!”
The Transport Workers Union condemned the incident as “outrageous and unacceptable.”
Police say Abigail Holbrook is charged with assaulting two horse carriage drivers Tuesday. (Ali Yildirim)
Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of TWU Local 100, called for more police protection at horse carriage stands in Central Park.
“We need a more visible police presence for our members at horse-carriage stands in the park to protect against these wackos. This is their place of work and people are coming just to harass and attack them. People deserve to be safe at work,” Kemp said.
Holbrook appears to move toward the person recording the confrontation. (Ali Yildirim)
News Outlet has contacted Holbrook for comment.
