FBI Hate Crime Data Paints Incomplete Picture, Action Needed to Ensure All Hate Crimes are Reported

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the FBI released its annual report on hate crime statistics for 2018. The following is a statement from Muslim Advocates Special Counsel for Anti-Muslim Bigotry Madihha Ahussain on known hate crimes targeting Muslims and other groups that were not included in this data and the urgent need for lawmakers to take action and ensure that all hate crimes are reported:

“Yet again, the FBI’s annual statistics on hate crimes show us that a worrying number of Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Latinos and other groups are being victimized by hate crimes. Yet, this data paints an incomplete picture of the epidemic of hate that continues to threaten the safety of far too many Americans because it fails to include many known hate crimes from last year. 

Last year, an armed man drove a truck into a convenience store in Denham Springs, Louisiana because he suspected the owners were Muslims. Also in March of last year, a man deliberately tried to drive his car into a Muslim family in a parking lot in Carmel, California and managed to strike the father twice. Though both are clear examples of a hate crime, neither are included in the FBI’s 2018 data.

It is completely unacceptable that vile hate crimes like these and countless more continue to go unreported by law enforcement agencies across the country. That is why Congress must pass the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act to improve hate crime reporting and data collection. Furthermore, the four remaining states that do not have a hate crime law on the books should prioritize passing strong legislation ensuring that hate crime victims and their families get the justice they deserve.”

Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination. 

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