Asian American Hate Incidents Remain Alarmingly High According to Newly Released FBI Hate Crime Data
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Washington, DC – The FBI released its annual hate crime statistics today and the data indicate some troubling realities. The overall data show record-high numbers across several categories and ethnicities – the second largest total since the FBI began keeping the statistics.
While there has been a slight decrease in reported hate crimes, the situation for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders remains quite alarming.
In response to those concerns, Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Director of Anti-Hate Programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, issues the following statement:
“Despite a 6.8% decline in anti-Asian hate crime incidents from 2023 to 2024, the total number of hate incidents towards Asian Americans is still alarmingly high with 2024 marking one of the worst years for anti-Asian hate crimes on record – the third highest Asian American hate crime incidents in history. Anti-Asian hate crime incidents are nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic averages.
The persistent attacks against our community point to a troubling societal trend and the need for the FBI to make systemic improvements to their data collection processes. The majority of incidents range from violent assaults to physical and verbal intimidation. Furthermore, we are witnessing rising incidents of hate against Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, along with increases in anti-Buddhist offenses.
These FBI hate crime statistics reflect only the tip of the iceberg because many victims do not report hate crimes due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in law enforcement— and because many law enforcement agencies themselves fail to report hate crimes to the FBI. It is imperative that we confront these challenges head-on. We must push for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to data collection and ensure that both victims and communities targeted by hate crimes are supported and empowered to come forward. They must also be given the dignity of being seen, counted, and acknowledged in our national statistics.
We urge Congress to take decisive action by appropriating funds to implement the full extent of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, reinstating hate crime prevention grants, and passing the Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act. We also call for sustained efforts in language-accessible and culturally competent prevention and victim support resources, as well as community peacekeeping services offered by the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service.
Only through dedicated efforts and advocacy can we begin to shift the narrative and create a safer environment for all communities.”
View the FBI hate crime database here.