A recent report reveals a concerning increase in hate crimes across California in 2022. State data indicates a rise of at least 20.2% compared to 2021 figures. This disturbing trend includes a significant jump in crimes motivated by racial bias, homophobia, and antisemitism.

Crimes targeting Black individuals saw a particularly sharp increase of 27.1%, rising from 513 incidents in 2021 to 652 in 2022. This surge follows the national reckoning on race after the murder of George Floyd. While anti-Asian hate crimes decreased by 43.3% after previous increases, the overall rise in hate-motivated violence remains alarming.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta addressed these figures, emphasizing the urgent need to combat hate. He stressed the importance of community unity against such acts, highlighting that an attack on one individual is an attack on everyone. The data underscores the ongoing work needed to address hate in the state.

The report defines a hate crime as being motivated by bias against the victim's gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. It's important to note that while hate incidents, such as name-calling, are harmful, they don't always meet the criteria for criminal prosecution.