New York City 669 Cases Over 60% of All Asian Hate Crimes Fourth Highest Hate crime rate in New York State has reached an all-time high.
According to the ‘New York State Hate Crimes Status’ report released by the New York State Comptroller on the 28th, 1,089 hate crime incidents occurred in New York State last year. This is the highest number since the related statistics began to be published in 2000 following the implementation of the hate crime law. By region, there were 669 hate crimes in New York City and 420 hate crimes outside New York City, with more than 60% concentrated in New York City.
Hate crimes have surged particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with hate crimes in New York State increasing by 69% last year compared to 2019. Specifically, there was a 59.3% increase in New York City and an 87.5% increase outside New York City during the pandemic, with the increase being more pronounced outside New York City. The most common type of hate crime was anti-Jewish hate crimes, with 477 cases (44%). This was followed by anti-Black hate crimes (183 cases), anti-Gay hate crimes (130 cases), anti-Asian hate crimes (130 cases), anti-Muslim hate crimes, and anti-transgender hate crimes. In New York City alone, 65% of hate crimes last year were anti-Jewish hate crimes.
Of the 669 hate crimes in New York City last year, 72 were ‘felony assaults’ resulting in serious injuries, with nearly half of the victims being Jewish and gay. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said, “The nature of hate crimes has changed. Since 2018, both in-person and object hate crimes have increased, but in-person hate crimes have begun to outpace object hate crimes since 2021.”
He pointed out that “New York State must focus on establishing countermeasures to prevent the various biases and prejudices that cause hate crimes from taking root.” He added that “hate allegations are not often judged as actual hate crimes.” He added that “To combat hate and prejudice, we must communicate, respect, and accept our neighbors. We must condemn all hate, invest in prevention and protection efforts, and expand education that upholds the value of diversity.”
Meanwhile, according to the report, less than half of hate crime incidents in the state lead to actual arrests, indicating that more stringent arrests are needed.