LA County Sees Historic Surge in Hate Crimes, Report Finds

Los Angeles County has witnessed a staggering 45% rise in hate crimes in 2023, according to the latest annual report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR). With 1,350 hate crimes reported—up from 930 in 2022—the county has recorded the highest number of such incidents in its history. The report highlights disturbing increases across a range of targeted communities, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Jewish people, LGBT* individuals, and transgender people.

Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County has witnessed a staggering 45% rise in hate crimes in 2023, according to the latest annual report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR). With 1,350 hate crimes reported—up from 930 in 2022—the county has recorded the highest number of such incidents in its history. The report highlights disturbing increases across a range of targeted communities, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Jewish people, LGBT* individuals, and transgender people.

Key findings from the report include:

• African Americans were most frequently targeted, making up 49% of racial hate crime victims. Anti-Black crimes reached a record high of 320 incidents.
• Anti-transgender crimes surged by 125%, totaling 99 incidents, with 97% of these being violent.
• Anti-Semitic crimes jumped by 91%, reaching 242—also the highest number ever recorded.
• Anti-LGBT crimes* rose by 48%, reaching 256 incidents, with gay men comprising the largest group of victims.
• Anti-Asian crimes increased by 31%, reaching 80 incidents, while anti-Latino/a crimes rose by 19%, with racial hate crimes against Latino/a individuals being the most violent (87%).

The report also notes a worrying rise in hate crimes linked to White supremacist ideologies (209 incidents) and anti-immigrant rhetoric (123 crimes, up 31%).

Increased Reporting Drives Numbers Up
One factor contributing to the increase is the expanded use of the LA vs Hate reporting system, which allows victims to report hate crimes via online platforms or by calling 211. This year, over 50 incidents were reported through the system, making it the third largest source of hate crime reports after the LAPD and LA Sheriff’s Department. “While the rise in hate crimes is deeply concerning, it also reflects that more people are coming forward to report hate and seek support,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of LACCHR.

Community Response
Los Angeles County leaders have strongly condemned the surge in hate crimes and reiterated their commitment to combating prejudice and violence. “Hate crimes harm entire communities, not just individuals,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “This report is a reflection of the challenges we face and underscores the importance of working together to create a safer, more inclusive LA.”

Helen Chin, President of LACCHR, emphasized that the rise in reported hate crimes signals growing community awareness and the effectiveness of LA’s anti-hate programs. “By standing together, we can extinguish hate and discrimination in every community,” she said.

LA vs Hate Initiative
The LA vs Hate initiative, launched in 2018, continues to be a vital resource for hate crime victims, offering counseling, legal support, and other services. Over 3,600 reports have been made through the system since its inception. This year, the initiative launched a Combating Anti-Blackness Training Series to empower local leaders in South Los Angeles and build community capacity to address institutional racism.

Surge in School-Based Hate Crimes
The report also reveals a sharp 46% rise in hate crimes occurring in schools, which now account for 10% of all reported incidents. Race, ethnicity, and national origin were the leading motivators for school-based hate crimes, making up 57% of incidents.

*LGBT includes lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and LGBT (non-specified) cases in which an LGBT individual, business, or organization were targeted but there were no slurs made against a specific sexual orientation (e.g. gay, lesbian).

Next Steps
County officials are calling for continued efforts to address the rise in hate crimes, including expanding educational campaigns and resources for victims. Supervisor Hilda Solis noted, “We must continue our efforts to combat hate and protect our diverse communities.” Supervisor Holly Mitchell added, “The data from this report helps us understand where to focus our efforts and improve our strategies to prevent hate.”

For more information and to access the full report, visit hrc.lacounty.gov.

About LA vs Hate
LA vs Hate is a countywide initiative aimed at supporting hate crime victims and fostering solidarity across Los Angeles. The initiative provides free resources, including counseling and legal support, and works to raise awareness about reporting hate incidents. To report a hate crime, visit LAvsHate.org or call 211.