Hate Crimes Dip Nationally, But Rise in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — Hate crimes in Virginia rose last year despite a small decline nationally.

Reported hate crime incidents across the U.S. last year totaled 10,873, down 1.5% from 2023, according to FBI crime statistics.

But, there was a 15% increase in reported hate crime incidents in Virginia from 2023 to 2024, and in the past decade, hate crimes increased 176% in the state. The most targeted groups last year were Black and African Americans at 36%, Jewish people at 23% and the LGBTQ+ community at 8%.

“Hate crimes often increase in reaction to major events and the rhetoric surrounding those events,” stated David Webber, associate professor of Homeland Security at Virginia Commonwealth University, over email.

Hate crimes against Asian people increased during 2020 due to the stigma surrounding COVID-19, Webber stated. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has also caused offenses to soar against Jewish people worldwide, Webber stated.

Some researchers argue perpetrators are reactive and can be swayed by political rhetoric, according to Webber. He differentiates these instances from political violence, a term increasingly used by the public.

“I would define political violence as violence that is motivated by political reasons,” Webber said. “Although there can be overlap between hate crimes and political or partisan violence, they are different. Federal hate crimes … are motivated by bias, not politics.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed bills last year to strengthen protections for marginalized groups. The amended Virginia Human Rights Act now protects Virginians regardless of ethnic origin, in addition to other identifying factors. Youngkin also issued an executive order in May with more detailed instructions on how to combat antisemitism in schools.

Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, who sponsored one of the bills, stated over email that the amendment is a step in the right direction. He blamed some of the recent increase of hate crimes on the current volatile political climate.

“I think there’s no doubt that the dangerous political rhetoric we’re seeing right now has normalized political violence across the country,” Helmer stated.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears’ negative comments against the LGBTQ+ community throughout her gubernatorial campaign is an example of how the Republican party “has thrived on dividing our Commonwealth,” Helmer stated.

Social media makes it easier for harmful discourse to spread, so politicians should lead by example and not encourage violence, Helmer stated.

Nicholas Stone, a research assistant at Salem State University, stated in an email that some online platforms offer a financial incentive to post discourse.

“Outrageous and inflammatory statements typically attract more attention and engagement, even if most of it is negative,” he stated.

Youngkin previously condemned university protestors on CNN.

“We will protect the ability to peacefully express yourself, but we’re not going to have the kind of hate speech and intimidation we’re seeing across the country in Virginia,” he said.

Rabbi Menachem Lessoff works with the Virginia Commonwealth University Jewish Life organization. He said more work needs to be done in classrooms.

Many Jewish students hide any jewelry or clothing with the Star of David “because they’re afraid to show proudly their Jewish identity,” Lessoff said.

“Teaching students, especially the young generation, to respect each other whether we agree or disagree,” Lessoff said. “We are humans, we are people, we live in the same country, and we need to respect each other and work together, so it’s a better and safer place for everyone.”

FBI uniform crime reporting relies on agencies to report data and not every agency provides consistent, annual reporting. The Virginia State Police also track hate crimes and publish stats through its annual crime report.

That report has not yet been released for the year, as of Oct. 28. But last year’s report showed an almost 50% jump in hate crimes from 2022-2023, according to the Virginia Department of State Police.

By Zainab Sesay
VCU Capital News Service

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.