2024 CA hate crime report released, numbers increased

(FOX40.COM) — The 2024 Hate Crime in California Report was released by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday.

Numbers show that there was a 2.7% increase in reported hate crimes, going from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024. The Office of the Attorney General said that reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities have especially increased.

Video Above: Resources available to crime victims

Attorney General Bonta is now urging local partners and law enforcement to review the resources and to recommit themselves to taking action.

“There is absolutely no place for hate in California. Transparent and accessible data is a critical part of understanding where we are and how we can end hate crimes in our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Everyone has a part to play as we continue to fight intolerance in California, and I urge leaders up and down the state to review the data and resources available and recommit to standing united against hate. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across California to keep our communities safe.” 

Key findings from the 2024 Hate Crime in California Report include: 

• Reported hate crime events increased 2.7% from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024
• Hate crime offenses increased 8.9% from 2,359 in 2023 to 2,568 in 2024
• The number of victims of reported hate crimes increased 8.2% from 2,303 in 2023 to 2,491 in 2024
• Reported hate crime events involving a racial bias decreased 0.6% from 1,017 in 2023 to 1,011 in 2024
• Anti-Black bias events remained the most prevalent, despite a 4.6% decrease from 518 in 2023 to 494 in 2024
• Anti-Asian bias events decreased 4.8% from 125 in 2023 to 119 in 2024
• Reported hate crime events involving a religious bias increased 3% from 394 in 2023 to 406 in 2024
• Anti-Jewish bias events rose from 289 in 2023 to 310 in 2024, an increase of 7.3%
• Anti-Islamic (Muslim) bias events fell from 40 in 2023 to 24 in 2024
• Between 2023 and 2024, hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias increased by 12.3% from 405 in 2023 to 455 in 2024
• Anti-transgender bias events increased by 12.3% from 65 in 2023 to 73 in 2024
• Anti-LGBTQ+ bias events increased by 13.9%
• From 2023 to 2024, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased from 679 in 2023 to 818 in 2024

The office said it is considered a hate crime if someone is targeted because of actual or perceived nationality, including immigration or citizenship status. They clarify that this is not equivalent to hate incidents, which are actions or behaviors motivated by hate that may be protected by the First Amendment right. A hate incident turns into a hate crime when there is a threat to a person or property.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, consider taking the following steps provided by the office:  

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and, if needed, seek medical attention
• Write down the exact words that were used and take note of any other relevant facts
• If safe to do so, save all evidence and take photos
• Get contact information for other victims and witnesses
• Reach out to community organizations in your area that deal with hate crimes or incidents

Hate crimes can be reported on the Hate online portal at any time in 15 languages. The California v. Hate hotline is also available between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE. Trained civil rights agents are available in over 200 languages. If you call outside of those hours, it is recommended to leave a voicemail or call 211.