New York police today arrested four Hasidim in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, members of the "Hashomerim" organization, suspected of beating a young black man in the neighborhood several months ago.
All four suspects were taken into custody early this morning. A fifth suspect is expected to be questioned when he returns from a trip abroad.
Taj Patterson, 22, was beaten in the early morning hours of December 1 on Flushing Avenue by what he identified as "followers.".
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The group beat Patterson with great violence. His eye socket was broken and his retina was torn.
A city bus driver passing by stopped and began filming the attack on her cell phone. The attackers fled.
Patterson underwent surgery to reattach his retina.
It is unclear at this time whether the suspects will be charged with a hate crime or assault.
The identities of the suspects will be revealed later today, when the indictment is read in court.
The arrest of the members of the "Guardians" was met with shock in the Haredi neighborhood.
