A woman from Philadelphia faces assault charges following a chaotic confrontation in Central Park that involved a skateboard and two horse carriage drivers. According to Fox News, Abigail Holbrook, 27, allegedly initiated the physical altercation early on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, near West Drive and 59th Street. Police arrived at the scene shortly after 11.00 a.m. in response to a 911 call regarding the dispute. The incident reportedly began with a heated verbal argument.
Holbrook allegedly targeted the workers while shouting accusations of animal abuse in front of tourists and families visiting the area. Video footage of the scene captured her yelling, “You’re animal abusers! Horses do not do well in New York City. They are very sensitive to light and noise.” She also declared during the outburst, “The people that are f****** using these horses are animal abusers. I’m Squid the Kid, bro. Y’all will know my f****** name.”
According to reports from the Transport Workers’ Union of America (TWU), the situation turned physical when the suspect began striking the workers. Police state that Holbrook punched two 45-year-old drivers in the face. She also allegedly used her skateboard as a weapon, hitting one of the men in the head and shoulder.
Both victims sustained minor injuries during the struggle
The men chose to decline medical treatment at the scene. Law enforcement officials took the suspect into custody, and she now faces two counts of assault. ABC 7 NY states that she has no prior arrest history. This event comes at a time of intense legal and political tension regarding the future of the carriage industry in New York City.
Just last month, the city council voted 40 to 7 to approve a measure known as Romanch’s Law. This legislation aims to phase out horse-drawn carriages completely by June 1, 2028. The law includes provisions for a transition program intended to support the more than 150 drivers and workers currently employed in the industry. The initiative is named in memory of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died in June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in the park…