Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim—they are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community. Because of their wide-ranging impact, investigating hate crimes is a high priority for the FBI.

A hate crime is defined as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, ethnicity/national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

In late 2023, the FBI launched a nationwide advertising campaign on hate crime awareness and reporting. The goals for the hate crime campaign are to increase awareness of hate crimes; educate the public about the impact of hate crimes; and encourage public reporting of hate crimes. The FBI Omaha field office has participated in the campaign with advertising throughout Iowa and Nebraska, including bus ads and public service announcements. Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The FBI stands ready to use all the tools at our disposal to reduce the threat of hate crimes and fulfill our mission to protect every American.”

The FBI has also released a Hate Crime Threat Response Guide that offers information on various threats and what to do if you receive a threat. It can be downloaded here.

The FBI is committed to combating hate crime and seeking justice. If you have been a victim or witness to a hate crime, dial 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.

Protecting Our Communities. Together. Report Hate Crimes.