Reported hate crimes against Muslims increased in 2015, reaching their highest levels since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The new statistics, revealed by the FBI, come amid numerous reports of attacks nationwide based on race and religion following last week's presidential election.
Last year, there were 257 reported incidents of anti-Muslim bias compared to 154 the previous year , that's a 67% increase. The total is second only to the surge in hate crimes following the 9/11 terror attacks.
The most recent reporting includes the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, as well as Republican Donald Trump's call for a ban on all Muslims entering the country.
the reporting period does come at a time of heightened tensions following last week's presidential election.
According to the report, the increase in hate crimes could be because of increased reporting by victims and better reporting and tracking by law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Tucson city leaders took a stand against hate crime and speech. Council members signed an anti-hate resolution that offers extra protection to places like the Islamic Center of Tucson. The goal of the resolution is to send an anti-hate message and keep the community welcoming and diverse.
