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DA's office: FBI report reveals hate crime murders hit new high in 2019

Reported hate crimes in Colorado increased from 121 in 2018 to 210 in 2019, a nearly 74% increase, according to the Boulder County District Attorney's Office.
Community Submission

NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
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The FBI’s annual Hate Crime Statistics Act (HCSA) report reveals that 2019 was the deadliest year on record with 51 hate crime murders — a 113% increase over the previous record of 24 set in 2018. Total hate crime incidents rose to 7,314, marking the fourth increase in the past five years.

The numbers in Colorado are particularly concerning, with reported hate crimes increasing from 121 in 2018 to 210 in 2019. That is a nearly 74% increase. The top categories are race/ethnicity/ancestry, sexual orientation and religion.

Mardi Moore, the executive director of Out Boulder County, stated, “We continue to be alarmed by the increasing number of hate crimes in our community and in the surrounding communities. Our ongoing support of LGBTQ community members who have experienced hate incidents and hate crimes continue to be our priority. Community safety requires that we have ongoing and meaningful conversations with LGBTQ community members, local law enforcement and our district attorney.”

District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “There has been an alarming increase in hate crimes in Colorado. This report is consistent with what we see on the ground. In 2018, the District Attorney’s Office partnered with law enforcement, Out Boulder County, the Anti-Defamation League, and other community groups to launch a Hate Crimes Initiative because hate crimes cut against the very fabric of our nation. Colorado must rise above divisive rhetoric and acts of hate that we see far too often.”

Due to the nationwide increase in hate crimes, several steps have been taken here in Boulder County. As part of the Hate Crimes Initiative, the District Attorney’s Office, Out Boulder County, and other community groups:

  • Established a DA hotline
  • Held events to raise community awareness
  • Increased outreach to affected communities
  • Provided enhanced trainings for law enforcement and prosecutors
  • Established a law enforcement liaison program for the LGTBQ community

If a community member has experienced a hate crime or incident, we strongly encourage the individual to call 911. The DA’s Hate Crime Hotline of non-emergency reporting is 303-441-1595.

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