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But Scales says the outburst wasn’t about student politics—it was a full-on ideological assault.
Scales claims Reyes repeatedly accused him of being a fascist and a racist. And when he began recording the interaction for protection, the situation turned physical.
That’s when, according to Scales, the woman lunged toward his phone in an attempt to snatch it away. In the chaos, Scales says he was punched over the head and then pepper-sprayed in the face, all while the bus was still moving through Philadelphia streets.
In the video, Scales directly asked Reyes why she believed he was racist or fascist, and she responded with a string of claims:
“You talk sht about Islamic people. You talk sht about Black people. You talk sh*t about Mexicans. And you post it on the internet.”
That accusation—delivered without evidence—was apparently enough in her mind to justify assault.
Also on the bus was Ian McGinnis, co-founder of Surge Media, who Scales credits with helping keep the recording going after Reyes tried to seize the device. McGinnis reportedly grabbed the phone back and continued filming as the attack escalated.
Scales later posted his full account on X, describing the incident as a politically driven ambush:
“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 recording for my own safety when she became aggressive. After I started recording, she lunged at my phone to take it from me. Ian was able to grab the phone and continue recording while she punched me over the head and pepper sprayed me.
She temporarily retreated but got back on the bus and approached us again. While I tried to reason with her she pepper sprayed me directly in my face and attempted to attack me again. The bus driver then kicked her off the bus and drove away. We will not be deterred from spreading truth.
If you would like to help us take extra security measures please donate. Link is in our bio!”
WATCH:
SEPTA confirmed that the agency is investigating the attack, which happened around noon Monday on a Route 7 bus. Police were called to the scene, and Scales reportedly gave a statement.
According to SEPTA, Scales declined medical attention.
Scales says he plans to press charges, arguing that political violence is being normalized and that journalists are now being hunted in public spaces.
WATCH:
WHYY released a public statement acknowledging that Reyes was once affiliated with the organization, but emphasized she no longer has any relationship with them:
WHYY released a statement saying the company “is aware of a recent incident on a SEPTA bus involving a former intern, Paulina Reyes, and a local journalist” but noted that “Ms. Reyes served as an intern at WHYY from June 2025 through August 2025 and has no current affiliation, employment, or contractual relationship with our organization.”
“We reaffirm our strong support for civil discourse and remain dedicated to providing trustworthy, high-quality content to the Tri-State region,” the statement concluded.
Reyes did not respond to interview requests.
The attack comes as Scales has built a larger profile in the city due to his outspoken criticism of progressive leadership—especially Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
In September 2025, Scales gained national attention after Krasner grabbed his phone during a confrontation and reportedly called him “un-American.” Scales has also said he was blocked from attending a town hall featuring Krasner after activists intervened.
Now, with violence breaking out on public transit, the episode is reigniting concerns that political “activism” in major cities is transforming into something darker—and more dangerous.
Scales says this all traces back to the ideological hostility he faced during his time at Community College of Philadelphia, where he served in student leadership before leaving to pursue journalism full-time.
He posted a second statement on X suggesting the same political intolerance that drove him out of student government is now spilling over into physical attacks:
“At the Community College of Philadelphia, I was investigated for hate speech because I said that the Founding Fathers of our nation were good people. I was then impeached and removed from my post as President of Student Government for supporting President Trump, and am now being tracked down and assaulted by radicalized students who once supported me as President of Student Government.
The Community College of Philadelphia should publicly denounce political violence if they have any sense of decency.”
With SEPTA investigating and charges potentially pending, the incident stands as another grim reminder that for many conservatives, simply existing in public—let alone reporting the news—can now come with real physical risk.
