Urges Federal Bureau of Investigation to include in Uniform Crime Report September 11, 2001 terror attack victims in hate crime statistics.
Impact
The implementation of AR17 would aim to recognize the September 11 victims more appropriately within statistical data related to hate crimes. By having the FBI include these victims in its reports, the resolution seeks to correct what supporters see as an oversight in the categorization of severe acts of violence motivated by hate. This change could influence how such tragic events are recorded and addressed in the future, affirming the narrative surrounding the motivations for the attacks.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 17 (AR17) urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to include the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attack in the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) as victims of hate-motivated murder. The resolution highlights the tragic loss of almost 3,000 lives in this devastating event, including nearly 400 police, fire, and rescue personnel. Despite the magnitude of this attack, the victims have not been categorized in the UCR as hate crime victims, which the sponsors of this resolution argue is essential to maintain the integrity of hate crime statistics.
Contention
While the resolution is likely to receive broad support in the legislative environment due to the historical significance of the September 11 attacks, there may be underlying concerns regarding the scope of hate crime definitions. Critics argue that expanding definitions to include the actions from 9/11 could lead to discussions about how hate crimes are identified and reported, potentially complicating existing frameworks surrounding bias-motivated violence. The resolution's success may hinge on the broader implications it carries for federal hate crime policies and statistical practices.
Recognizing September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" in Pennsylvania in memory of the civilians and emergency and armed forces personnel who lost their lives in the attacks.
Relating to hate crimes, including criminal and civil liability for those crimes and the hate crime prevention grant program; increasing a criminal penalty.