Philly journalist charged after viral confrontation with conservative influencer
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A former journalism intern is charged with pepper-spraying a conservative Philadelphia influencer during a heated, viral altercation on a SEPTA bus, per court records obtained by Axios.
The big picture: Paulina Reyes, a 22-year-old former WHYY intern, drew national attention after a video showed her calling Surge Philly founder Frank Scales a "fascist," attempting to grab his phone and spraying him in the face, allegedly with pepper spray.
- The clip — filmed by one of Scales' colleagues — racked up millions of views and fueled backlash across conservative media, prompting a response from Elon Musk, who said Reyes had "violence issues."
Driving the news: Reyes faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor simple assault and possessing an instrument of crime, following a SEPTA police investigation into the Jan. 19 incident, per court records.
- Prosecutors said the encounter was also captured on bus surveillance. Reyes was released without bail after being arraigned on the charges Thursday with a promise she appear for future court proceedings.
Between the lines: The case is being handled by special prosecutor Michael Untermeyer, a role state lawmakers created within the attorney general's office to handle SEPTA cases — a move District Attorney Larry Krasner unsuccessfully opposed.
What they're saying: "This case is a reminder that violence will not be tolerated as a means to conduct political debate, protest, or exhibit differences," Attorney General David Sunday said in statement Thursday. "This type of violence is senseless, as we have an individual facing criminal charges over political disagreement."
The other side: Reyes didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment at a listed number.
Catch up quick: Reyes, a student at Community College of Philadelphia, previously attended school there with Scales.
- Reyes told the Inquirer before she was charged that the viral encounter reshaped her life, leading to "nonstop" calls, including threats to kill her.
- She said she regretted her actions, attributed part of her reaction to mental health struggles and worried the incident could affect her ability to land a job in journalism.
Meanwhile, Scales, a 22-year-old South Philly resident regarded as a right-wing provocateur, has said he was filming the encounter for his own safety.
- He has built an online following since shouting down Krasner at a town hall last year.
- The two later had a viral exchange at a Philly park in which Krasner told Scales to "put down 'Mein Kampf'" — Adolf Hitler's manifesto.
- Scales frequently conducts man-on-the-street interviews at protests, asking demonstrators politically charged questions.
Zoom in: Since the encounter went viral, some of Reyes' supporters have set up a GoFundMe for her that has raised more than $4,000, saying she is facing financial and emotional turmoil.
- "We are supporting our sister. We are refusing to let someone who stood up for herself be punished for it," the petition states.
What's next: Reyes' next court appearance is scheduled for March, per court records.