Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY – At least three people were violently mugged early this morning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The first attack happened on Ross Street, the second on Wythe Place and a third on Clymer Street.

The suspects allegedly struck three Hasidic Jews, between the ages of 56 and 71, within an hour. Friends told CBS2’s Christina Fan the men were walking to synagogue or work when the suspects ambushed them.

Now, the NYPD’s Hate Crimes unit is on the case.

“Obviously, might just be a run-of-the-mill mugging with the attempt as a bias crime, knowing that these people – just like myself, I go out of my house at 5:30, and many of them do, because prayer starts at six,” community activist Isaac Abraham said.

Police said the attackers snuck up from behind, punched the victims in the face and then rummaged through their pockets. At least two people were taken to the hospital. Abraham said two suffered major trauma and are still being treated, but both are expected to be OK.

Police believe there were three attackers – all teenage boys.