Wyden, Merkley to DOJ: Keep prosecuting hate crimes

In a letter to the Department of Justice, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., called on the department to continue investigating all instances of reported hate crimes in the U.S. and to prosecute perpetrators of such crimes.

Wyden and Merkley specifically noted that reports of hate crimes against Muslims, Jews, African-Americans and LBGTQ individuals have risen nationwide over the last year, according to the FBI.

The senators also mentioned a “disturbing level of animosity” against minority groups throughout the recent election cycle.

“We write to express our deep concern about the harassment and intimidation of people in Oregon and across this country based on their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and other personal characteristics. We urge you to continue to investigate all instances of such behavior and to hold perpetrators accountable for any illegal actions,” Wyden and Merkley wrote.

The senators added “We will continue to fight for the rule of law in the U.S. Senate, regardless of who serves as Attorney General. We urge you to do all that you can to embolden the entire DOJ, particularly the FBI, to protect the public and ensure the fair administration of justice for all Americans.”