FRESNO - U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today the first in-person convening of the Greater Fresno Hate Crimes Task Force, which seeks to directly connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with diverse communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.
One of the most valuable and sustained efforts undertaken by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is the Greater Sacramento Hate Crimes Task Force, which was first convened in 1999 following the “Summer of Hate” crimes that included the murder of a gay couple in Shasta County and arson attacks on Jewish synagogues in Sacramento. In April 2021, using the Sacramento-based Hate Crimes Task Force as a model, the U.S. Attorney’s Office launched the Greater Fresno Hate Crimes Task Force to serve the southern part of the district.
Both the Greater Sacramento Hate Crimes Task Force and Greater Fresno Hate Crimes Task Force connect many diverse community leaders and organizations with the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that serve them. Represented groups include African American, Asian American, LatinX, LGBTQ+, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, interfaith groups, and many other communities. As part of this effort, training is also provided to help community members and organizations report hate crimes and to provide crisis response and security training.
On May 26, U.S. Attorney Talbert, leadership from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, law enforcement partners, and community leaders and members met to discuss updates on hate crimes and other issues of concern in the Fresno region. The meeting included a roundtable-style open discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and provide an update on relevant projects and opportunities to collaborate. U.S. Attorney Talbert also announced that in response to recent attacks, crisis response and active shooter training will be provided again to houses of worship and other community groups in both Sacramento and Fresno.
“Acts of hate and racism have no place in our community and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We want to ensure that all those who call this region their home feel safe regardless of their race, ethnic origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Prosecuting hate crimes continues to be a top priority for our office and our law enforcement partners, and our Hate Crimes Task Forces remain active. We commend the community leaders and members of our Sacramento and Fresno Hate Crimes Task Forces for their partnership and commitment to stopping hate crimes. If you see something, say something by contacting law enforcement so that we can do everything we can to help stop hate crime and protect the community.”
If you are a victim of a hate crime and are in immediate danger, call 911 first. Once you are safe, also report the hate crime to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or 916-746-7000. This FBI tip line offers language translation services in many languages spoken in our region, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. When calling, be prepared to provide basic information — the who, what, when, where, and why. Tips can be made anonymously.
