Scotch Plains Man Arrested For Pepper Spray Attack in Asbury Park

photo via Joe Grillo’s facebook page

Morris May White, 22, of Scotch Plains, was arrested in Asbury Park on Sunday evening and charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon after he pepper sprayed a transgender woman who was participating in a sign making event in preparation for Monday’s Stand Against Hate rally in the city, according to The Asbury Park Sun.

White’s arrest in not being treated as a hate crime, according to the report.

Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo, as Asbury Park Board of Education member and one of the organizers of the anti-hate rally characterized the incident as a “hate assault” on facebook.

A hate assault just took place in Asbury Park on Ocean Avenue in front our very eyes. A white nationalist wearing a Pepe the Frog shirt just maced a friend who happens to be trans. In the eyes. Luckily, Asbury Park Police Department arrested this “white nationalist” (his words) and everyone is ok.

We were painting signs. Freaking signs. If you were on the fence about attending the rally tomorrow, please reconsider.

The Stand Against Hate rally is scheduled for Monday September, 4, 10 am at Springwood Park which is located at the corner of Springwood and Atkins Ave.