The number of hate crimes has increased significantly in New York City in 2019, rising by 64 percent compared to a year ago.
There have been 184 hate crimes in the city through the beginning of June, which is up from 112 in 2018. More than half the incidents were anti-Semitic in nature.
In response, New York City is creating the Office to Prevent Hate Crimes. Mayor Bill de Blasio said it will open this summer with the goal of supporting victims, preventing crimes and updating the community on what’s happening.
“I don't want anyone to ever feel embarrassed or ashamed. The police need to know so they can stop it from happening to anybody else,” de Blasio said.
He said more resources are being dedicated to fighting hate crimes and said New York City should be a place where everyone is respected and supported.
“Anyone who is a perpetrator of a hate crime, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you, you will suffer the consequences,” de Blasio said.
Despite the increase in hate crimes, overall crime is down nearly 7 percent. That included a record-low number of shootings in May.
“This was the safest May in modern history in this city. This, in terms of statistics we've been keeping now for decades – this was the safest May we have ever had,” de Blasio said.
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