In 2019, some states still do not consider sexual orientation or gender identity a motivating factor for a hate crime. The number of reported hate crimes in the U.S. is on the rise — but the punishment varies widely across the country.
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00:00What I want people to remember the most about Matt, Matt's legacy, he was a human being.
00:23He had fears and flaws and joy, sorrow, he was just trying to live his life, just like
00:31we all do.
00:34And he wasn't given that opportunity.
00:50My child almost lost his life, all because we're African-American.
00:57I watched a young man who almost murdered my child receive 30 days in probation.
01:20I have today, Mr. Chairman, the written testimony of the late David Richardson, a Houston area
01:36resident who testified in front of this committee on April 17, 2007, about his experience as
01:43a hate crime survivor.
01:45Mr. Richardson was viciously attacked by two individuals, targeted for being Mexican-American.
01:51His attackers, one an admitted racist skinhead, attempted to carve a swastika on his chest.
02:12What is the danger to the country, and what do you need to fight it?
02:16Well, the danger, I think, of white supremacist, violent extremism, or any other kind of violent
02:23extremism is, of course, significant.
02:27We assess that it's a persistent, pervasive threat.