Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released a video statement addressing the FBI’s 2015 hate crime statistics as well as recent reports of alleged hate crimes and harassment. The report shows increases in the number of hate crimes against various groups, including Muslims, Jews, African Americans and LGBT individuals. The largest rise in hate crimes is against Muslims at an alarming rate of 67 percent.
“We will continue to uphold our conviction that all men and women deserve to lead lives of safety and dignity. And we will continue to champion the values of diversity and inclusion that have always been the bedrock of our nation’s progress, and that point the way to a brighter future.” Lynch said.
Lynch also urged individuals to report incidents to both local law enforcement and the Justice Department so that investigators and prosecutors can take action. She assured the American people that the Department of Justice will not stop working for the safety and well-being of Americans.