The report released by California Attorney General Rob Bonta shows a decline in overall hate crime events in the state, but cites a worrying increase in hate crimes against LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Despite efforts to combat prejudice, specific bias-motivated incidents have surged, prompting calls for collective action to create safer communities.
On June 28, 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the report on Hate Crime in California. Jake News indicated a 7.1% decrease in hate crime events in the state from 2022 (2,120 incidents) to 2023 (1,970 incidents). A hate crime is defined by California law as a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group.
The report highlighted that despite the overall decrease, hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Muslim communities remain high. Specifically, hate crime events involving religious bias rose by 30% from 2022 to 2023, with 394 incidents reported. Notably, anti-Jewish bias events saw an increase of 52.9%, rising to 289 incidents in 2023, while anti-Islamic bias incidents increased from 25 to 40.
Jake News also hears that hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation saw an increase of 4.1%. Anti-LGBTQ+ bias events specifically rose by 86.4%, and anti-transgender bias events increased by 10.2%.
In Los Angeles County, there were 664 reported hate crime incidents in 2023 resulting in 748 offenses against 744 victims. Prosecutors in the county filed 77 cases as hate crimes, leading to 16 convictions. Santa Monica reported 11 hate crime events involving 15 offenses against 15 victims by 13 suspects. Santa Monica College reported three incidents, each affecting one victim.
Data from the Santa Monica Police Department for the first three quarters of 2023 revealed seven incidents involving 11 victims. The offenses included anti-Black, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-Jewish motivations. Santa Monica tied with Beverly Hills and Glendale for the third-most hate crime events in county jurisdictions, following West Hollywood and Long Beach.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the need for collective action to fight prejudice and create safer communities.
