United States Attorney’s Office, Hate Crimes, Miami FL, 2024

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Hate Crimes on the Rise in Miami FL

MIAMI – In a disturbing trend, hate crimes are on the rise in Miami FL, with a recent forum bringing together faith and community leaders to discuss the issue.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI hosted a Protecting Places of Worship forum, facilitated by the Community Relations Service, with nearly 200 faith and community leaders as part of the United Against Hate initiative.

The forum brought together U.S. Attorney’s Office representatives and others, including faith-based leaders and congregants, federal and state prosecutors, and law enforcement and public safety personnel to prevent and combat hate crimes and protect local faith-based institutions.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe stated, ‘In a time when we are witnessing a rise in religious-based violence, hate crimes, and threats to our places of worship, yesterday’s forum in support of the Department’s United Against Hate initiative could not be more imperative.’

Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami Jeffrey B. Veltri added, ‘Everyone who attends a religious service deserves to do so in peace.’

Forum partners included the Community Relations Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Defense Agency, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, the Broward State Attorney’s Office, the Broward Sherriff’s Office, the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board, the Miami-Dade County Interfaith Advisory Board, the Anti-Defamation League of Florida, and the Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement and community partners will not stop working to protect everyone in South Florida from unlawful acts of hate.

In September 2022, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland started the United Against Hate program to convene local forums that connect community groups to federal, state, and local law enforcement to increase community understanding and reporting of hate crimes; build trust between law enforcement and the community; and increase cooperation between law enforcement and faith-based communities.

The Protecting Places of Worship forum fostered partnerships and engagement, while providing attendees with invaluable federal, state, and local resources, including tools to help protect and secure places of worship.

As the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work towards a safer community, it remains committed to protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their faith or background.