FBI’s 2024 Hate Crime Data Shows Alarming Threat to Religious Minorities, Vulnerable Communities

WASHINGTON – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending civil rights and multi-faith democracy, is deeply concerned by the 2024 Hate Crimes Statistics released by the FBI, which mark the second highest number of annual hate crimes since the FBI first began reporting the data over thirty years ago. The report shows alarming levels of hate crimes directed against Black Americans, LGBTQ+ Americans and religious minorities, particularly Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh Americans. 

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“The increased normalization of bigotry and extremism in our politics and national discourse, driven in part by the growing prevalence of White Christian Nationalism, has created a dangerous atmosphere in which acts of hate and hate-based violence can proliferate. It is simply unacceptable that so many vulnerable communities and minorities are living in increased fear of attack and experiencing a marked increase in violence, simply because of who they are. 

For the United States to fulfill its promise as a diverse multi-faith democracy where all communities can flourish, we need to confront and root out this hatred, and extend solidarity and support to all those who are targeted. Only by standing together in defense of our neighbors, and by uplifting and celebrating diversity and tolerance, can we overcome the rising tide of bigotry, fear and persecution that has been unleashed by extremist groups and their political and governmental allies. 

While religion is too often manipulated as a justification for hate, it also has the capacity to help overcome and defeat it. At Interfaith Alliance, we are dedicated to building strong coalitions to challenge and prevent the spread of hate and discrimination. We will continue to advocate for robust governmental and communal action at all levels to take hate crimes and the conditions that enable them seriously, particularly by ensuring that we have accurate reporting and data. Indeed, we know that the FBI data has faced strong criticism for seriously under-reporting hate crimes impacting many minority communities – and that the numbers released this week likely understate the true extent of the threat. 

At a time when the federal government is actively affirming hateful ideologies and targeting the very principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, they seek to suppress vulnerable communities from telling their stories and narratives – while simultaneously cutting funding for programs designed to prevent and accurately report on hate-based violence. In the face of their incredibly dangerous actions, we will speak truth to power – and demand that our elected leaders make certain that no community in our country has to live in a permanent state of fear or intimidation.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Prapti Ajmera, pajmera@westendstrategy.com

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.

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