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Hate Homicides. Higgins O’Brien Spring 2012. FBI Definition: “Criminal offenses committed against persons, property, or society that are motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual-orientation, or ethnicity/national origin.”
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Hate Homicides Higgins O’Brien Spring 2012
FBI Definition: “Criminal offenses committed against persons, property, or society that are motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual-orientation, or ethnicity/national origin.” • 28 states also include gender in the definition • The term Hate Crime was first coined in the 1980's
Characteristics of Hate Homicide • According to the FBI, there were 7,784 bias offenses in 2009 • But not every law enforcement agency reports to the FBI, and it is often difficult to find evidence of bias • The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) estimates there may be as many 50,000 hates crimes a year • Gay or transgendered individuals had some of the highest risk for murder • After the 9/11 attacks, violence against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims increased
Characteristics of Hate Homicide continued • Offenders who do commit a hate homicide are frequently members of an organized hate group • A group can reinforce beliefs already present in the individual • If actions are taken, the individual feels less personal responsibility • White Supremacist Groups tend to be apocalyptic; a giant race war is inevitable • However, there are many individuals with ethnocentric or bigoted views that would never act upon these thoughts with violence
Types of Hate Homicide • Thrill- typically groups of young alienated people, looking to show power over another individual • Brutal and sadistic leader, and the others follow • Estimated about half of all hate attacks fall under this category • Most take the form of vandalism, desecration, and assault, but homicides do occur • Many victims are intellectually or emotionally challenged
Types of Hate Homicide Continued • Defense- Offenders are protecting turf, neighborhood, women, job, reputation, or school • Aimed at particular individuals deemed outsiders • May begin with harmless acts, but if provoked can quickly escalate to violence • Retaliatory- Targets not just one victim, but anyone in their group • Revenge for a previous event, which can cause long lasting damage for both groups involved
Types of Hate Homicide Continued • Mission- Seek to destroy every member in a possible group, often in the form of a killing spree • Rarest and most dangerous category • Offenders are typically members of an organized hate group and/or have severe mental illness • Crimes are planned in advance, aiming to generate the most destruction and publicity
Organized Hate Groups • Groups have moved away from the uniforms and rituals associated with the Ku Klux Klan • Now focus on “American Patriotism” and the heritage of white christians • Believe society is eroding because of Jews, blacks, and Latinos • The SPLC estimates that there are between 20,000 and 50,000 members of white supremacist groups
Organized Hate Groups Continued • Poor management, and a lack of leadership in these groups has led to sharp decreases in membership • Many leaders are arrested, go broke, or die from old age, leaving groups with no direction
The Role of the Military • Some groups adopt military attire and practices for their own usage • Extremist groups tend to have some members with military experience • They tend to be high ranking and are respected, given their knowledge of firearms and explosives • Enlistment rates have declined in recent years, so the military has loosened it's recruiting standards • This has made it easier for individuals with issues to sign up
Current State of Hate Crime Laws • 49 States (Wyoming absent) have some form of a hate crime statute • In 2009 President Obama signed the Hate Crime Prevention Act, which expanded federal law to include race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and disability • Critics of hate crime laws believe it is a violation of free speech, the First Amendment • It's unclear if these laws will deter future crimes, but it sends a symbolic message to vulnerable groups