Lynch reports rise in hate crimes against Muslims

Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Friday condemned a rise in hate crimes against Muslims in America.

“These numbers should be deeply sobering for all Americans,” Lynch said in response to an FBI report that shows hate crimes against Muslim Americans rose 67 percent in 2015.

Overall, the FBI reported a 6 percent increase in hate crimes. 

It reported 5,850 incidents but noted that many hate crimes go unreported and the number could be much higher. 

This includes 257 hate crimes against Muslims in 2015, up from 154 in the previous year, which is the highest number since post-9/11 2001.

Other communities that faced increased harassment included African-Americans, Jewish people, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, according to the FBI.

“Some of these incidents have happened in schools.  Others have targeted houses of worship,” Lynch said. “And some have singled out individuals for attacks and intimidation.” 

Lynch promised to step up enforcement of hate crime laws.

“We still have a long way to go to ensure that every American can live free from the fear of violence or harassment based what they look like, how they worship or whom they love,” she said.