BROOKLYN, N.Y. - A couple is facing hate crime charges after an anti-Semitic assault brought on by a lack of social distancing in Brooklyn.

Police received a 911 call Sunday night about a large crowd gathered on Bedford Avenue and Ross Street in Williamsburg.

Investigators say the 911 callers, Paulo and Clelia Pinho, got out of their car and began yelling anti-Semitic statements at people on the sidewalk. 

Paulo allegedly approached three men and tried to rip their masks off.

A fight broke out and Shomrim patrol detained the couple until the NYPD arrived.

"Whether it is this horrible anti-Semitic act that we saw or the horrible anti-Asian acts that we saw in previous weeks none of these acts of bias and discrimination are acceptable in New York City. The fact that the perpatrators were arrested immediately is a reminder to everyone out there - we will not tolerate hate," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The couple was arrested and charged with aggravated harassment as a hate crime.