Cops have arrested four teenaged punks who attacked the director and several residents of a transgender center in Astoria Tuesday.

Police say 17-year-old Tyreek Childs, 16-year-old Travaughn Payne, 17-year-old Shara Mozie and a minor whose name has not been released were all arrested for their involvement on the attack on the residents and director of "Carmen's Place" in Astoria, Queens.

Father Louis Braxton, Jr. says he was trying to defend a group of transgender teens who were being assaulted Monday night when the four teenaged boys attacked him with belts and paint cans.

“I was standing right here looking that way and they kind hit me from behind,” said Braxton, who says the incident happened in front of the shelter where he and the transgender teens live. “I have a couple of knots on my head right now and a fat lip.”

The four teens who were arrested have been charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Police say they are still trying to determine whether or not they will be charged with a hate crime (and they should!)

These kids need some time behind bars. They are thugs who will likely do a lot worse later if they aren't taught a lesson now. Maybe they should lock their parents up too!