US Violent Crime Decreased in 2023 While Hate Crimes Increased, FBI Reports

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON – The FBI’s annual report revealed a 3% decline in violent crime across the United States last year, marking the most significant drop in murder rates in two decades. However, incidents of hate crimes saw an increase during the same period.

The report is compiled from data provided by over 16,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, which collectively account for approximately 85% of the FBI’s crime data reporting program. Notably, the number of murders and non-negligent manslaughters decreased by about 11.6%, while reports of rape declined by around 9.4%.

This downward trend in violent crime contrasts sharply with criticisms from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. He has frequently criticized his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, regarding the Biden administration’s handling of crime and safety. Trump has also made unsubstantiated claims that illegal immigrants are contributing to an increase in violent crime.

President Joe Biden praised the report’s findings and highlighted his administration’s investments in public safety and measures aimed at gun control. Vice President Harris, who previously served as a prosecutor and district attorney, expressed her commitment to supporting local law enforcement, investing in effective crime prevention strategies, and promoting responsible gun safety measures.

In response to questions about violent crime trends, Trump has stated that if reelected, he would implement the death penalty for human traffickers and drug dealers. He has expressed skepticism toward federal crime statistics, including the recent report by the FBI. When asked about Trump’s claims, FBI officials refrained from commenting but emphasized that the agency’s methodology remains unchanged, as the report reflects crimes reported to law enforcement.

Earlier this year, the Pew Research Center analyzed crime data from the Department of Justice and found that violent crime in the U.S. had decreased by 49% between 1993 and 2022. Nevertheless, there was a significant rise in violent crime during the pandemic, with the murder rate experiencing its largest single-year increase on record.

The report also indicated a 2% rise in reported hate crimes, increasing from 11,634 to 11,862 incidents. This increase has continued a troubling trend, as hate crimes have been on the rise in the U.S. for several years. The FBI noted that there was an 11.6% spike in hate crimes in 2021 compared to the previous year, with the majority linked to bias against Black individuals.

However, an FBI official cautioned that the increase in reported hate crimes may be influenced by more law enforcement agencies providing data in 2023 compared to the previous year. Adjusting for these fluctuations and analyzing data from agencies with consistent reporting, the official indicated that reported hate crimes saw a slight decrease of less than 1%, falling from 10,687 in 2022 to 10,627 in 2023.