U.S. Violent Crime Drops While Hate Crimes Increase, FBI Reports

The FBI's annual report shows a 3% decline in violent crime in the U.S. over the last year, with murder rates seeing the largest drop in 20 years. However, hate crimes have risen by 2%. The data contradicts claims by Donald Trump, who argues the opposite. President Biden praised the decline, while Trump questions the federal statistics.

Incidents of violent crime in the United States fell by 3% last year, including the largest drop in murder in 20 years, according to the FBI's annual report released Monday. However, the number of hate crimes rose, the FBI said.

The report compiles crime data from more than 16,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, representing about 85% of the FBI's crime data reporting program. Specifically, murder and non-negligent manslaughter decreased by 11.6% and rape incidents dropped by 9.4%, the agency noted.

The decline in violent crime runs counter to claims by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has criticized the Biden administration's record on crime and safety. President Joe Biden praised the decline, attributing it to his administration's investments in public safety and executive actions on guns. Meanwhile, Trump has questioned the accuracy of FBI statistics and promised harsher penalties for human traffickers and drug dealers if reelected.

(With inputs from agencies.)