Increase in hate crimes throughout U.S.

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Hate crimes have increased throughout the U.S. for the second consecutive year, according to an FBI report. The bureau reported more than 6,100 hate crimes in 2016, almost 300 more than were reported in 2015.

The increase in attacks were motivated by bias against African Americans, Jews, Muslims and LGBTQ people. 

More than half the 4,229 racially-motivated crimes were against African American people, while 20 percent were against whites, the report indicates. Jews were targeted in more than half the 1,538 crimes that were motivated by religion.

Some say that political rhetoric during last Presidential election cycle may have emboldened anyone with racist  or homophobic views.

The amount of hate crimes actually decreased in Harris County with 27 incidents reported in 2015 compared to 10 reported in 2016, although the trend is of great concern.