An arrest has been made in connection with the assault of Philadelphia-based journalist Frank Scales, who was pepper-sprayed and punched while riding a city bus earlier this month.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 19 amid anti-ICE protests in the Pennsylvania city.
Scales and members of his team were traveling on a SEPTA Route 7 bus in the 2300 block of Carpenter Street.
Video from the bus’s surveillance system, along with footage recorded by a member of Scales’ team, shows the suspect confronting and attacking the journalist after ordering him to get off the bus.
The suspect, Paulina Reyes, accused Scales of spreading “racism” and “hatred” against Muslims, black people, and Mexicans.
She repeatedly called him a “fascist” and a “racist,” attempted to grab his phone, struck him, and deployed pepper spray at least twice.
“How am I a fascist?” Scales asked before being sprayed the first time.
He then moved to another seat as Reyes continued shouting.
Moments later, she approached him again, deployed pepper spray a second time, and repeatedly struck him.
The bus driver removed Reyes from the vehicle, and SEPTA police arrived shortly afterward.
Scales provided a statement to officers but declined medical treatment.
I was assaulted for my work as a journalist while riding home on a bus in Philadelphia.
While looking out of the window minding my own business, a known ANTIFA agitator sitting directly behind me started yelling at me claiming that I was a rascist and a fascist. I started… pic.twitter.com/glUn4P8643
— SurgePhilly (@Surge_Philly) January 19, 2026
Scales, 22, runs the website Surge Philly and is known for on-the-ground reporting at protests and political events.
Reyes, also 22, is a former intern at WHYY News and a recent communications and film student at the Community College of Philadelphia. Her public profiles indicate involvement in left-wing political advocacy and documentary filmmaking.
Following an investigation by SEPTA Transit Police, working with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s mass transit prosecutor, Reyes was arrested on Thursday.
She was charged with misdemeanor simple assault, possession of an instrument of crime related to the pepper spray, and summary offenses of harassment and disorderly conduct.
She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.
In a statement, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican, said:
“This case is a reminder that violence will not be tolerated as a means to conduct political debate, protest, or exhibit differences.
“This type of violence is senseless, as we have an individual facing criminal charges over political disagreement.”
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Paulina Reyes is charged with pepper-spraying a man on a SEPTA bus earlier this month and will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s mass transit prosecutor.
“This case is a reminder that violence will not be tolerated as a… pic.twitter.com/TkdmAYolSI
— PA Attorney General Dave Sunday (@PAAttorneyGen) January 29, 2026
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.