PHOENIX, ARIZ. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Arizona), published as received.

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona held its second United Against Hate event yesterday at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. The event provided an opportunity for an informative and robust discussion with members and leaders from Arizona’s LGBTQIA+ community. Approximately 80 invited guests, including community members and leaders, law enforcement, lawyers who prosecute or litigate hate crimes/incidents and discrimination claims, and a reporter with LookoutPhx.org, were in attendance. The event focused on establishing a dialogue, brainstorming ways to increase trust in law enforcement, and increasing community understanding of the critical importance of reporting hate crimes and hate incidents.

“Hate crimes harm not just individuals, but also traumatize communities and families,” said Gary Restaino, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “My office is committed to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal, both to prosecute acts motivated by hate, and to educate against ignorance and bias.”

Yesterday’s event featured a discussion with a panel comprised of community leaders, law enforcement partners, and members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The panel discussion, moderated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, allowed attendees to hear directly from leaders in the community, who shared their thoughts, concerns, and experiences with hate crimes and incidents. The event also included presentations from the FBI, the Phoenix Police Department, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and the Arizona Attorney General’s office.

The District of Arizona will hold additional United Against Hate events in the coming months to engage with communities across the state. These events will further encourage collaboration, support hate crimes prevention efforts, and encourage more Arizonans to report hate crimes and hate incidents.

RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-042_United Against Hate

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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