illi News - Chicago: Report: Hate Crimes Fall Sharply, Mayor Brandon Johnson, CCHR To Hold Hearings

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson received the 2024 annual Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents report from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) today, revealing both positive and concerning trends in public safety. The report showed a 25% decrease in total hate crimes in the city, reflecting a broader drop in serious crime under the Johnson administration. Homicides are down by 32%, shooting victimizations by over 40%, and robberies by 31%.

Mayor Johnson credited this reduction to a holistic approach to community safety, which includes not only strategic and constitutional policing but also investments in jobs for young people, access to mental health care, and affordable housing.

However, the report also highlighted a troubling increase in hate crimes targeting two specific communities: Jewish Chicagoans and gay men. Anti-Jewish hate crimes saw a staggering surge of 58%, now accounting for 37.6% of all reported hate crimes in the city. This is particularly alarming given that Jewish residents make up only 3% of Chicago's population.

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In response to this concerning trend, Mayor Johnson has directed CCHR to exercise its authority under Section 2-120-518 of the Municipal Code to hold public hearings focused on understanding and addressing the rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes. Additionally, CCHR will work with the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council to schedule community meetings aimed at addressing the increase in hate crimes against gay males.

Mayor Johnson emphasized that all Chicagoans deserve to feel safe and protected, regardless of their identity. He stated that these hearings will help shed light on this unacceptable trend and develop policies to reverse it.

The hearings will aim to document the experiences of Jewish Chicagoans impacted by anti-Jewish hate crimes, gather testimony from community stakeholders, victims, experts, law enforcement officials, and nonprofit leaders. They will also examine systemic factors such as social media that may be fueling this rise in hate. The goal is to produce actionable recommendations in policy, education, enforcement, and community support to improve safety and equity for all Chicagoans, with a focus on the Jewish community.

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CCHR will provide more details on the dates and structure of the hearings in the coming weeks.

Mayor Johnson has also been actively addressing the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. In December 2024, he signed an Executive Order establishing a Working Group on Transfemicide and Protections for the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community, which became a City ordinance in February of this year.

CCHR Commissioner Nancy Andrade expressed her support for Mayor Johnson's call to action, stating that while they are pleased to report a significant drop in hate crimes in 2024, they share his concerns and will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to serve and uplift all people in Chicago.

Mayor Johnson reiterated that community safety means every community and that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done. He stated that together, they will confront hate wherever it appears and ensure that every neighborhood in Chicago is a place where dignity, respect, and justice prevail.

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