President Joe Biden addressed the latest FBI hate crime statistics. The data reveals a troubling surge in hate crimes, with a 25 percent increase in antisemitic hate crimes from 2021 to 2022. Antisemitism accounted for more than half of all reported religion-based hate crimes. Additionally, anti-LGBTQI+ hate crimes rose by 16 percent, and Muslim Americans and African Americans remain disproportionately targeted.

The president emphasized that hate remains a persistent issue, urging unity against it. He expressed his concern for Americans fearing violence at home due to recent acts of terror by Hamas in Israel and pledged to take action. President Biden has instructed key team members, including Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas and Attorney General Garland, to prioritize the prevention and disruption of emerging threats that could affect Jewish, Muslim, Arab American, or other communities.

The data also indicates that overall hate crime levels have remained relatively stable. Notably, hate crimes targeting Asian Americans decreased by 38 percent after legislation was signed to combat anti-Asian hate. President Biden stressed the need for continued efforts to end hate-fueled violence, calling for collective action and speaking out against hate and bigotry in all its forms. He affirmed that all Americans deserve to live with dignity, respect, and safety.