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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