Sacramento, CA–California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the 2021 Hate Crime in California Report and highlighted information and resources to support ongoing efforts across the state to combat hate.
At 1,763 bias events in 2021, overall hate crimes reported in California increased 32.6% from 2020 to 2021 and are at their highest reported level since 2001.
Reported hate crimes targeting Black people remain the most prevalent and increased 12.5% from 456 in 2020 to 513 in 2021, while reported anti-Asian hate crime events once again increased dramatically, rising 177.5% from 2020 to 2021, and reported hate crimes involving a sexual orientation bias also increased significantly, rising 47.8% from 2020 to 2021.
“Today’s report undeniably shows that the epidemic of hate we saw spurred on during the pandemic remains a clear and present threat,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In fact, reported hate crime has reached a level we haven’t seen in California since the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11. As our state’s top law enforcement officer, I will continue to use the full authority of my office to fight back. We will keep working with our local law enforcement partners and community organizations to make sure every Californian feels seen, heard, and protected. While there is no single solution, it’s up to all of us to heed the call, because when our communities feel empowered, they come forward. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we stand united — there is no place for hate in California.”
Some of the key findings from the 2021 Hate Crime in California Report include:
- Overall, reported hate crime events increased 32.6% from 1,330 in 2020 to 1,763 in 2021;
- Anti-Black bias events were the most prevalent, increasing 12.5% from 456 in 2020 to 513 in 2021;
- Hate crime events motivated by a sexual orientation bias increased 47.8% from 205 in 2020 to 303 in 2021;
- Anti-Asian bias events increased 177.5% from 89 in 2020 to 247 in 2021;
- Anti-Hispanic or Latino bias events increased 29.6% from 152 in 2020 to 197 in 2021;
- Among hate crime events involving a religious bias, anti-Jewish bias events were the most prevalent and increased 32.2% from 115 in 2020 to 152 in in 2021; and
- From 2020 to 2021, the number of cases filed for prosecution by district attorneys and elected city attorneys involving hate crime charges increased by 30.1%.
