New York State has witnessed a disturbing surge in hate crimes over the past five years, with reported incidents reaching a record high of 1,089 in 2023, marking a 69% increase since 2019, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
The data reveals a troubling trend, with hate crimes increasingly targeting individuals rather than property, with the most common victims being Jewish, Black, and gay male New Yorkers.
“New York is a diverse hub of cultures, beliefs, and identities, whose strength has always been in the creation of community bonds that unite us,” DiNapoli said. “Fighting hatred and bigotry demands that we communicate with, respect, and accept our neighbors. It requires our spiritual, political, community, and business leaders to take active roles in denouncing hate, investing in prevention and protection efforts, and increasing education that celebrates the value of New York’s diversity.”
The report highlights a significant rise in hate crimes motivated by religious bias, with 543 incidents, nearly half of all reported cases in 2023, targeting individuals based on their religion. Jewish New Yorkers were the most affected, accounting for 44% of all hate crimes and 88% of religious-based incidents. Hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities saw alarming increases of 89% and 106%, respectively, between 2018 and 2023.
Racially motivated hate crimes also saw a worrying uptick, with 17% of all incidents targeting Black individuals. Crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias, particularly against gay men and transgender individuals, surged by 141% and 140%, respectively, over the past five years.
New York City continues to be a hotspot for hate crimes, with 669 incidents reported in 2023, a 12.6% increase from the previous year. However, the rest of the state is not far behind, with a 12.9% rise in reported hate crimes, totaling 420 incidents.
“We commend State Comptroller DiNapoli for this vital report and for his unwavering commitment to justice across our great state,” said Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference. “New Yorkers will not stand by or accept these heinous acts.”
The report underscores the need for continued vigilance and action from all sectors of society to combat the rise in hate crimes. DiNapoli emphasized that community, faith, and political leaders must play an active role in denouncing hate, investing in prevention and protection efforts, and enhancing education that celebrates diversity as a strength.
The alarming increase in hate crimes in New York is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges that marginalized communities face, and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent such acts of hatred.
Read the full report, “The Concerning Growth of Hate Crime in New York State.”
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist.
