CT Announces Crackdown On Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

CONNECTICUT — Leading state law enforcement officials have announced efforts to address an increase in hate crimes and bias incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as has been reported nationally.

In Connecticut, officials said there has not been a significant rise in reports of violence and instances of hatred, intolerance and bigotry against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders similar to what has occurred in other parts of our country this past year.

"However, we know these crimes exist, we will not be blind to them, and we want to know about them," said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle. "The Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with the FBI and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners, is committed to enforcing hate crimes laws that protect all communities."

Boyle said that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are expanding outreach to Asian communities. In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorneys are being certified to provide training specific to hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islander communities at the Connecticut State Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

Both offices receive and review complaints of potential hate crimes and provide assistance to state and local law enforcement investigations of hate crimes.

"I want to remind residents of Connecticut communities that any violent criminal act against any person because of their race, color, religion or national origin is a hate crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. "This includes violence toward Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders or individuals from East Asian countries. The FBI will use all authority granted to us by federal law to investigate and hold those who commit violent acts accountable for their actions. Anyone with knowledge of crimes against Asian community members is asked to report the incident to local police and/or the FBI."

The Division of Criminal Justice is currently working to establish designated Hate Crimes points of contact in State’s Attorney’s offices across the state in an effort to immediately address any reports of violence based on bigotry and bias toward people of all races.

Residents who believe they are the victim of a hate crime or have witnessed a hate crime are encouraged to call their local police department, or the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311, or submit a tip online.