Nov 13, 2018

Hate crimes jumped 17% in 2017

Stef W. Kight

A shadowy image of a few women marching in front of the camera carrying a sign that says, "Never again?" — Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

There were 7,175 incidents of hate crimes reported in 2017 — a 17% increase from the 6,121 incidents in 2016 — according to newly released FBI data.

By the numbers: More than half of the hate crimes reported last year were motivated by race. Race-based hate crimes increased by more than 18%, and a majority of the victims were African-Americans. Crimes due to religious bias also increased — around 60% of the 1,564 religion-based hate crimes were against Jewish people.

What they're saying: "I am particularly troubled by the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes," acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a statement. "The American people can be assured that this Department has already taken significant and aggressive actions against these crimes and that we will vigorously and effectively defend their rights."

At the end of last month, 11 people were killed in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. The gunman had walked in to the synagogue yelling "All Jews must die."

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Hate crimes jumped 17% in 2017

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