GETTING PEOPLE TO REPORT HATE CRIMES ENTAILS TRUST
Hate crimes vary in form, from online harassment and verbal threats to physical assaults, attacks on houses of worship, vandalism and mass murder.
But they share one unique feature: In addition to harming the intended victims, acts of hate reverberate, instilling fear in entire communities.
And unfortunately, hate crimes and incidents are on the rise.
FBI statistics show that in 2020, reported hate crimes rose to their highest levels in nearly two decades in the country.
The majority — more than 60 percent — were motivated by race and ethnicity, and more than half the crimes in that category targeted Black people.
The statistics also show a disturbing 70 percent increase in hate crimes targeting people of Asian descent — the highest in over a decade — as well as a sharp rise of over 30 percent in hate crimes motivated by the gender identity of the victim.
Religious hate crimes are also on the rise.
The hate picture in California mirrors these national trends.
San Diego has firsthand experience with the devastating impact of violent hate crimes.
Last year, John Earnest was sentenced in federal court to life in prison plus 30 years after he opened fire at the Chabad synagogue in Poway in 2019, killing Lori Gilbert Kaye, injuring three and endangering dozens of other worshippers.
Earnest was also prosecuted for attempting to set fire to the Dar-ul-Arqam mosque in Escondido the month before the Chabad attack.
In both situations, he was acting on a hate-filled manifesto, a virtual cesspool of antisemitic and anti-Muslim statements. When these diabolical acts occur, strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement use every resource at its disposal to prevent hate crimes and hold people who engage in violent assaults accountable.
But enforcement is just one aspect of the growing hate epidemic. Non-reporting and underreporting of hate crimes is a continual challenge that prevents law enforcement from taking action and impedes collection of data, which is critical to identifying and preventing hate crimes.
This can be addressed by increasing trust between law enforcement and the community to ensure that vulnerable individuals and groups are comfortable coming forward.
Moreover, it is imperative to educate the community on current hate threats and best practices when responding to hate.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, launched United Against Hate Week to further these goals. Through the planning of multiple training and awareness events, we engaged with diverse communities — including immigrant, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ, Black, Jewish and Muslim communities — and law enforcement, youth and educators, to deepen connections, increase trust, enhance prevention efforts and encourage more people to report hate crimes and hate incidents.
Notably, our training sessions distinguish unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity.
Every person deserves to feel safe, and we can all play a role in protecting San Diego from hate. This week, multiple community groups, local officials, civic leaders and law enforcement agencies are collaborating on and participating in a campaign that raises awareness about, provides solutions for and takes a stand against acts of hate.
People of all faiths, ages, races and backgrounds are standing together, sending a strong message: Hate cannot and will not win.
The safety of our schools, workplaces, public spaces and houses of worship will be enhanced as this resounding call is heard throughout the community. Members of the public are encouraged to report hate incidents and hate crimes to the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI and to call 911 if they need emergency assistance.