Column: FBI Norfolk, Virginia State Police continue fight against hate crimes

More than two decades ago, a University of Virginia student found her voice by being silent. Maria Pulzetti created a “Day of Silence” in 1996 because she felt the concerns, fears and safety of LGBTQ youth were being ignored and silenced by school leaders and other adults. A year later, more than 100 institutions were hosting their own “Day of Silence.” One student’s simple action to be heard became an invaluable means of amplifying the voices and struggles of thousands nationwide.

How many others living, working, studying or visiting Virginia, and who identify with a marginalized population, also feel silenced? It is here, within the vacuum of reticence, that perpetuates most of the hate crimes at the forefront of local, state and federal law enforcement’s concern.

From hate crimes against Black community members, to Asian Americans during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to those identifying as LGBTQIA+, to those struggling with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, victimization is a daily reality for far too many individuals. While each case and a perpetrator’s intent may vary, hate crimes are typically committed based on a victim’s perceived or actual: race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.

Data shows that most hate crimes reported to the FBI Norfolk Office and Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office result from racial bias. However, we recognize that even the best data does not paint an accurate picture of the problem. Hate crimes are too often underreported for a variety of reasons, but in large part due to a mistrust in law enforcement or the idea that justice may never be served even if a victim was to come forward.

This is why effective community outreach is a key priority for the FBI Norfolk Office and state police. While our agencies are aggressively investigating those committing hate crimes across the region, our special agents and leadership are just as active engaging with residents and listening to their needs. You can find our FBI agents participating in community roundtables, such as the one hosted in Suffolk in March, and honoring community leaders, such as Dr. Anthony Sandifer and the 200+ Men Inc., for the incredible differences they are making in the lives of others. State police personnel are routinely providing safety presentations in schools and churches across the Hampton Roads and Tidewater regions to overcome the gaps of mistrust and misunderstanding.

We value every opportunity to meet our marginalized communities where they are at, understand their adversities, respect their needs and provide them with the security and justice they rightfully deserve. We also realize that we cannot meet or connect with every individual who needs us. If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or file a report with the Virginia State Police by dialing #77 on a cell phone anywhere in the commonwealth. Reaching out to us is how we bring criminals to light and justice to the deserving.

No one should be made to fear for their safety or to speak up because of where they were born, what they look like, how they choose to identify, or who they worship or don’t. Just as Maria Pulzetti’s “Day of Silence” does not end quietly, neither will we — the FBI or Virginia State Police — in our pursuit to ensure that those who deserve to speak are heard, understood and kept safe.

Brian Dugan is special agent in charge of FBI Norfolk. Capt. Tim Reibel leads the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office.