LANSING - Democratic lawmakers Sarah Anthony and Curtis Hertel Jr. of Lansing joined with Attorney General Dana Nessel to denounce racially motivated violence. They also reminded people of the resources available for certain acts of violence.

In denouncing racial violence, Hertel acknowledged the need to hold people accountable who commit this type of violence.

“White supremacists are actively plotting harm to our citizens,” Sen. Hertel said “This violence is a crime and we must bring those that perpetrate acts of hate to justice.”

The Hate Crimes Unit was created in March 2019. It works with federal and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute hate crimes but has started going beyond that by conducting community outreach around the state to educate people about the resources they provide.

”While the political rhetoric in our country is perhaps more divisive and toxic than it has been in a long time, our laws still stand to hold wrongdoers accountable,” Nessel said. “The emotion of hate itself is not against the law, but when a criminal action is committed against another person that is fueled by the offender’s hate or bias, then my office will prosecute to ensure justice is served.”

Rep. Anthony is happy with the Attorney General’s commitment to act on hate crimes.

“I have heard the calls, I have seen the social media posts, and they are incredibly disturbing,” Rep Anthony said. “These credible threats against our community will not be tolerated and I commend the Attorney General for the commitment to investigate and prosecute hate crimes.”

If you want to report a hate crime, you can do so by calling the Hate Crimes Unit at 313.456.0200 or by emailing the unit at hatecrimes@michigan.gov