Sens. Feinstein, Padilla, Booker request more information on Justice Department’s prioritization of hate crime investigations

U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently forwarded correspondence to Attorney General Merrick Garland, seeking more details regarding Justice Department hate crime investigative efforts.

“Hate crimes are on the rise across the country,” the senators wrote. “And these deplorable acts of violence have a deep and lasting impact on our communities. Last August, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reported a 6.1 percent increase in hate crimes in 2020 – a number that is likely much higher given how many of these crimes go unreported.”

The senators commend the Justice Department’s efforts to prioritize hate crime investigations.

“We would like a written update on DOJ’s implementation of the recommendations outlined in your May 27, 2021, memo and the provisions in the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act,” the legislators conclude. “In addition, we request that your staff, including the Deputy Associate Attorney General, who you have tasked to oversee DOJ’s anti-hate crimes and incident resources, provide a staff-level briefing to specifically describe and answer questions about DOJ’s recent actions to combat hate crimes and hate incidents.”

The lawmakers noted they were looking forward to discussing the request with DOJ staff.