DOJ launches campaign to combat hate crimes

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a new initiative to combat hate crimes in the Western District of New York. This district includes Buffalo, New York. A white gunman shot ten people dead Earlier this year, at a supermarket in a predominantly black neighborhood.the shooter was charged federal hate crime accused of carrying out racially motivated attacks.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Trini E. Roth, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, announced The United Against Hate initiative on September 29. Work with marginalized communities to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and encourage people to report hate crimes.

“The horrific events of May 14 claimed the lives of 10 members of our community, simply because they were black. It will not be tolerated in this community or in our society,” Ross said in a DOJ statement.

The launch of the Western District of New York program is part of a broader DOJ effort, as The United Against Hate initiative will be implemented in all 94 US law firms nationwide.

According to the department, it covers topics such as “defining hate crimes and hate incidents.” Emphasizes the importance of reporting unlawful acts of hate. Hate He offers options for responding to incidents when the situation does not fall under federal or state crimes. Distinguish between illegal activity and protected First Amendment activity. ”

“The stronger the community’s ties with law enforcement, the more confidence the community will have that their allegations will be investigated and taken seriously,” Clarke said in a statement.

Three offices piloted the program last spring, and 16 programs are expected to launch this fall, according to the DOJ. The United Against Hate initiative will be implemented in all offices next year.

“Our communities, schools, workplaces, places of worship and homes are all safer when we stand united in the fight against hate,” Clark said.