FBI: Hate crimes showed another alarming rise in 2021


WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of hate crimes in the U.S. jumped again in 2021, continuing an alarming rise, according to FBI data released Monday.

The nearly 12% increase marks a reversal of a previous, incomplete report from the agency that appeared to show a drop but was missing data from some of the nation’s largest cities, including New York and Los Angeles.

The hate crime numbers now include those and other large departments, and the total is the highest level in decades, said Brian Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University-San Bernardino.

“We are in a unique and disturbing era where hate crimes overall stay elevated for longer punctuated by broken records,” he said.

Most of the victims, 64.5% were targeted due to their race, ethnicity or ancestry. Another 16% were targeted over their sexual orientation, and 14% of cases involved religious bias, according to the FBI report.

Intimidation and assault made up the largest portion of cases and 18 murders were also reported to be hate crimes.

Half of the religion cases targeted Jewish people, a finding that comes amid rising antisemitism, said Jill Garvey, chief of staff at the Western States Center.

Monday’s report also underscores the need for better record-keeping. “We’re still not getting enough data to know what the extent of the problem is,” Garvey said.

The data shortfall in the previous report released in December was largely due to changes in how police must report their data to the FBI. To ensure a more complete picture, agency officials went back and allowed large departments to report under the previous system.

“Hate crimes and the devastation they cause communities have no place in this country. The Justice Department is committed to every tool and resource at our disposal to combat bias-motivated violence in all its forms,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.


Recent Posts

LPSO investigating shooting in French Settlement

March 22, 2023 0

FRENCH SETTLEMENT, La. — Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to the French Settlement area around 4pm on Wednesday, March 22, for a call for “shots fired” on Hwy. 16. “Upon arrival, deputies located a wounded […]

Lack of manpower, area growth sparks need of tax

March 22, 2023 0

POINTE COUPEE —- As the population on the south end of Pointe Coupee Parish continues to grow, the number of emergency responders has remained the same. To solve the problem, the Pointe Coupee Fire District […]

Teen accused of stabbing uncle three times

March 22, 2023 2

GONZALES, La. —- Gonzales police are investigating a 16-year-old accused of stabbing his uncle during a dispute. Officials say Gonzales Police received a report of a stabbing that occurred at a residence on West La […]

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: