LOCAL NEWS

FBI Encouraging Public To Report Hate Crimes

Jul 15, 2021, 9:35 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2021, 8:58 am

SALT LAKE CITY – As reports of possible hate crimes are rising across the country and here in Utah, federal and local law enforcement are urging the public to report possible hate crimes.

They’re sending the message that people should not feel afraid to call and report possible crimes.

Even though they don’t have specific numbers, Utah’s FBI office said at least anecdotally they have seen an increase in hate crimes being reported.

While it’s often hard to know if they’ll be convicted as such, they want a chance to look into those incidents.

“We’re letting people know that we’re here and that we care about what happens to them, and that we want them to know that we want to make every effort we can to protect their rights, especially if they’re being targeted for some kind of protected class that they represent,” said Dustin Grant, FBI supervisory special agent.

Take a look at our recent news coverage and it appears there’s been at least a slight increase in the number of potential hate crimes being reported.

Law enforcement is noticing it too.

“I just know nationally that there is an uptick,” Grant said. “Personally, we have seen just with our own handling of these cases, we are seeing more reporting of it.”

Grant said the FBI has created an agency-wide outreach for people who might be experiencing hate.

“So we’re doing efforts to push and educate that you can report anonymously,” Grant said. “You can also have people report on your behalf. Sometimes we get cases or referrals from the media, or groups that represent these individuals.”

We’ve seen examples just this week — swastikas and disparaging messages spray-painted over a Black Lives Matter sign in a Logan parking stall or a man Cottonwood Heights police said has been taken into custody after being accused of threatening violence against Asian business owners.

“Fundamentally, there’s three victims whenever there’s a hate crime in our community,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “The person who the crime happens against they’re immediately targeted, the community that that person belongs to — it sends a chilling effect — and that’s what really makes hate crimes really insidious.”

Gill said when those attacked don’t find justice, we fail as a community.

The FBI does have a website and hotline where potential hate crimes can be reported, even anonymously.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Man being taken on stretcher to an ambulance figures blurred...

Lauren Steinbrecher

West Jordan man trying ‘to be funny’ allegedly shot and killed best friend

Investigators believe a joke between friends turned into the shooting death of a West Jordan man. The fatal mistake is also turning into a message police hope every gun owner can hear.

8 hours ago

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

8 hours ago

small housing units...

Debbie Worthen

Utah’s micro-shelter pilot program gets extension to help homeless

A micro-shelter pilot program will stay in place for at least six more months.

8 hours ago

A trench used for training a team of firefighters to be a part of Utah County's Special Response Te...

Shelby Lofton

Heavy Rescue school students respond to real-life emergency during trench collapse training

A team of firefighter students training to be on a Special Response Team rescued a man buried in a trench collapse the week they'd been studying trenches.

8 hours ago

The Cache County Council took up the e-mail controversy...

Mike Anderson

A single text stirs political fallout in Cache County election

A text message is blowing up into a whole lot of political fallout in Cache County.

9 hours ago

A map shows where the Chief Toquer reservoir will connect to the Ash Creek Reservoir....

Cary Schwanitz

Feds pour $7 million into southern Utah water pipeline project

A project to build a new pipeline that will run from the Ash Creek Reservoir to the Chief Toquer Reservoir received $7 million from the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

FBI Encouraging Public To Report Hate Crimes