Race-based hate crimes rose in D.C. in 2013

WASHINGTON — Even as overall hate crimes in D.C. dropped last year, those based solely on race spiked by nearly 40 percent, according to an annual report from the Metropolitan Police Department.

There were 18 race-based hate crimes in the District in 2013, up from 13 in 2012, the report says.

Assaults accounted for the majority of the incidents, which also included destruction of property, robberies and making threats, the report shows.

According to more specific figures obtained by The Washington Times, among the 18 incidents, most of the victims were white and most suspects black.

However, analysts tell The Washington Times, those numbers are likely skewed. Crimes against minorities, historically, have been under-reported with victims hesitant to speak to authorities.

In 2013 there were 70 overall hate crimes in the District. A year earlier, there were 81.

Of the 70 hate crimes, 31 involved — 44 percent — involved sexual orientation.

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