The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations released its annual analysis of hate crimes reported in the county on Wednesday. Analyzing data submitted by over 100 law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and community-based organizations, LACCHR found that reported hate crimes jumped 20% in 2020 from 530 to 635.
"Similar to national trends, hate crimes and incidents have increased across the board in Los Angeles County," L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis said in a statement released with the report. "This report is another alarming reminder that we have a long way to go in building a more inclusive and just society."
The 2020 spike constitutes the largest number in hate crimes reported in L.A. County since 2008. Hate crimes have grown 65% since hitting an all-time low in 2013.
The report’s authors found the increase was largely due to a 53% jump in racially-motivated crimes. They constituted 61% of all hate crimes in 2020, compared with 48% in 2019.
Anti-Black crimes jumped 35% from 125 to 169, with Blacks constituting 42% of hate crime victims. Anti-Latino crimes rose 58% from 67 to 106, or 26% of victims. Crimes targeting Asians grew 67% from 25 to 44, constituting 11% of victims; and anti-white crimes jumped 127% from 22 to 50, about 12% of the total.
Crimes in which suspects used anti-immigrant invective grew 14% from 49 to 56, the largest spike ever recorded.
Crimes concerning sexual orientation grew 17% from 104 to 122, with 84% of these crimes targeting gay men. Anti-transgender crimes declined 24%.
Offenses motivated by religion declined 18% from 105 to 86; though the Jewish community was targeted in 88% of such cases.
Crimes in which perpetrators were identified as white supremacists remained high at 119—the largest reporting since 2009.
"In a year that will be known for the COVID-19 Pandemic, this report documents that the virus of hate and prejudice also spread in historic ways," said Robin Toma, LACCHR Executive Director.
In response to the report, the Board of Supervisors has directed LACCHR to build a multi-year campaign to prevent and respond to hate crimes in L.A. County. The resulting “L.A. vs. Hate” initiative entails a community marketing campaign aimed at encouraging residents and organizations to unite against and report acts of hate; establishment of a government hotline via 211 for reporting hate crimes and assisting victims; and building out a network of community agencies that provide rapid response, support, advocacy, and hate-prevention services.
Related
