The FBI announced Monday a new statewide campaign aimed at boosting hate crime reporting through the agency.
The Anchorage field office launched the program across various digital, print and radio advertisements, as well as on public transportation in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, according to a press release from the FBI.
A hate crime is defined as a criminal offense committed against a person or property by an offender’s bias against the race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity of a victim.
The special agent in charge of the FBI office in Anchorage, Antony Jung, is quoted in the press release, stating that Alaskans should be free to navigate the state without the threat of becoming a potential victim of a hate crime.
“All Alaskans should be able to thrive in our communities without fear that their skin color, what they believe, or who they love, makes them a target for violence,” he said. “The FBI hopes this campaign will encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, which will strengthen our ability to solve hate crimes, bring criminals to justice, and provide support to victims.”
Anyone with information about hate crimes or if they believe they are a victim should contact the FBI by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
