LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky law enforcement agencies reported 414 bias-motivated incidents to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2018.
The FBI collects and analyzes data from all 50 states every year and releases them in their Hate Crime Statistics report. The full 2018 report can be read here.
Ninety-seven Kentucky law enforcement agencies reported their hate crime statistics in 2018. Lexington had a total of 35 incidents throughout the year, with 23 being racially or ethnically motivated.
“Lexington is better than that. We are better people than that,” responded Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton.
In comparison, Louisville reported nine cases to the FBI in 2018. Lexington saw 14 more bias-motivated incidents than a city with a population more than twice its size.
The Lexington Police Department posted a video to social media on Wednesday, asking for help identifying a man in connection with a potential hate crime.
In a press release, police explained the victim, a black woman, was working at the Walmart on New Circle Road when a white man walked up to her after she asked him a question. “The man made motions with his hand, which he said was for making a noose,” read the release. In the video, the man can be seen lunging for the victim’s neck.
HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION
— Lexington Police (@lexkypolice) February 5, 2020
An African American woman was briefly grabbed on the neck by a white man who told the victim he was making a noose.
Details: https://t.co/zYCj28ZYNw
Recognize this man? https://t.co/NEuf414Jh6 pic.twitter.com/3gTMRpw5zK
The man has since been identified by police and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident will count towards Lexington’s reported hate crime incidents when they submit data to the FBI at the end of 2020.
