Woman charged with misdemeanor assault in viral SEPTA pepper-spraying incident

Paulina Reyes, a former WHYY intern, was seen pepper-spraying a conservative influencer on a SEPTA bus earlier this month.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Paulina Reyes, a 22-year-old former WHYY intern, has been charged with misdemeanor assault and other charges for pepper-spraying conservative influencer Frank Scales on a SEPTA bus in a viral video earlier this month. The incident occurred after an altercation between the two, who had interacted multiple times at the Community College of Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between left-leaning and conservative groups in Philadelphia, with both sides accusing the other of using 'derogatory language' and 'senseless violence' to conduct political debates and protests. The case will be prosecuted by the state Attorney General's mass transit prosecutor.

The details

According to the state Attorney General's Office, Reyes was charged with assault, possessing an instrument of crime, harassment and disorderly conduct for the incident. Scales, who posts his videos on X under the handle @Surge_Philly, has had a number of encounters with left-leaning groups that he films and posts on social media, using captions like 'most participants seem uninformed, or are unhinged and bordering on violent.'

  • The incident occurred earlier this month on a SEPTA bus.
  • Reyes was charged on January 30, 2026.

The players

Paulina Reyes

A 22-year-old former intern with Billy Penn at WHYY who was charged with misdemeanor assault and other charges for pepper-spraying a conservative influencer on a SEPTA bus.

Frank Scales

A self-described independent journalist and avowed conservative who conducts man-on-the-street interviews in Philadelphia and posts the videos on X under the handle @Surge_Philly.

Dave Sunday

The Pennsylvania Attorney General who said 'violence will not be tolerated as a means to conduct political debate, protest, or exhibit differences.'

Michael Untermeyer

The state Attorney General's mass transit prosecutor who will be handling the case against Paulina Reyes.

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What they’re saying

“violence will not be tolerated as a means to conduct political debate, protest, or exhibit differences.”

— Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General (whyy.org)

“This type of violence is senseless, as we have an individual facing criminal charges over political disagreement.”

— Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General (whyy.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Paulina Reyes' bail on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The incident on the SEPTA bus underscores the ongoing tensions and conflicts between left-leaning and conservative groups in Philadelphia, raising concerns about the use of violence to resolve political disagreements. The case will be closely watched as it proceeds through the criminal justice system.