Mayor Brandon Johnson has received the 2024 annual Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents report from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The report indicates a significant reduction in overall hate crimes in Chicago, with a 25% decrease across nearly all categories. This trend aligns with a broader decline in serious crime under the current administration.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of investing in community safety through various means, including strategic policing, job creation for youth, mental health care access, and affordable housing. He stated, “This reduction in hate crimes and of violence generally is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in people and community safety in a holistic way.”
Despite these positive trends, there is concern over increased hate crimes against Jewish residents and gay men. Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose by 58%, now constituting 37.6% of all reported incidents. In response, Mayor Johnson has instructed CCHR to hold public hearings under Section 2-120-518 of the Municipal Code to address this issue.
The hearings will aim to document experiences of those affected by anti-Jewish hate crimes, gather testimony from various stakeholders, examine contributing factors such as social media, and produce actionable recommendations for policy improvements.
Additionally, Mayor Johnson has shown ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ community safety. An Executive Order signed last December led to the establishment of a Working Group on Transfemicide and Protections for the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community.
CCHR Commissioner Nancy Andrade expressed support for continued collaboration with stakeholders to serve all Chicagoans. She noted that while there is progress in reducing hate crimes, concerns remain regarding specific communities.
Mayor Johnson concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring every neighborhood is safe: “Community safety means every community... Together, we will confront hate wherever it shows up.”