Overview
- Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters on Thursday that religiously motivated hate crimes have spiked over the past two years and that his office is prioritizing those cases.
- Hochman’s office has filed seven hate-crime cases in 2024, 39 in 2025, and 35 so far in 2026, figures prosecutors use to show a rise in prosecutions even as overall reporting patterns shift.
- LAPD data show a modest 4% drop in citywide reported hate crimes year-to-date and 460 incidents logged as of June 20, including 65 assaults, which officials say can mask rises in specific bias types.
- High-profile local incidents this year — such as vandalism of religious symbols, antisemitic graffiti at a Pasadena temple, and alleged verbal and physical attacks — have driven community vigils and public concern, and police warn many hate crimes go unreported.
- Prosecutors say they will use existing hate-crime laws more aggressively, a move that could increase charges and convictions and that officials hope will encourage victims to report offenses and prompt more community outreach.