Hate crimes in Los Angeles County remained alarmingly high in 2024, as the annual report from the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations revealed a slight decrease in overall incidents, yet the total remains the second-highest recorded in 44 years. The report, which analyzed data from over 100 law enforcement agencies and community organizations, documented a total of 1,355 hate crimes, down from 1,367 in 2023.
The report highlighted that African Americans were disproportionately affected, comprising 51% of racial hate crime victims. There were 345 anti-Black crimes, marking the highest number ever reported in this category. Additionally, crimes targeting transgender individuals reached a record high with 102 anti-transgender incidents, of which 95% were violent.
While anti-Latino/a crimes saw a minor decrease from 145 to 143, the number of anti-Middle Eastern crimes surged by 118%, increasing from 22 to 48. Furthermore, crimes against women rose by 75%, reaching a total of 35. The report also noted a significant increase in anti-Israeli crimes, which rose by 27% from 22 to 28.
The data reveals troubling trends across various communities. Notably, incidents targeting non-binary individuals increased sharply by 275%, from 4 to 15. Hate crimes against Muslims and Scientologists also reached record levels, while anti-Jewish crimes were the second-highest ever recorded.
Race, ethnicity, and national origin were identified as the most common motives, accounting for 48% of all hate crimes, with a total of 678 victims in 2024. The report indicated a notable increase in hate crimes occurring in educational settings, with incidents rising from 139 to 147, representing 11% of all reported hate crimes, the highest figure documented.
Another concerning trend involved crimes featuring language linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which increased from 64 to 81, the largest number since this statistic began being tracked in 2007.
County officials and law enforcement leaders expressed deep concern over these findings, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat hate. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath remarked, “Each of these numbers represents a person whose dignity was violated and whose community feels that harm. This year’s report makes clear that hate isn’t slowing — it’s evolving and appearing in the daily lives of far too many Angelenos.”
Horvath underscored the importance of safety and support for all residents, stating, “No matter who you are or how you show up in the world, you deserve to be safe and supported in Los Angeles County. We will not rest until that is true for everyone.”
Helen Chin, president of the County Commission on Human Relations, noted the ongoing impact of hate across diverse communities, describing the data as a “second wave of unprecedented data.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reiterated his department’s commitment to community protection, asserting, “We want our community to know that we are here to protect them and that hate has no place in Los Angeles County.”
Executive Director of the Commission, Robin Toma, advocated for awareness of the LA vs. Hate initiative, which offers confidential support services for victims and survivors in multiple languages while promoting hate-prevention strategies.
The report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by various communities in Los Angeles County and the urgent need for collective action against hate.
