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SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City division of the FBI wants residents to know that agents are there to protect all communities of Utah.
To drive home that message, the division on Wednesday released a public service announcement that has been translated and recorded in eight languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, Persian-Afghan (Dari), Persian-Iranian (Farsi), Pashto-Afghani, Somali, and Spanish.
"We know that recent events in our country and overseas have led to an increase in harassment and intimidation within some communities. And simply put, we won't tolerate it," Shohini Sinha, special agent-in-charge of the FBI's Utah office, said Wednesday in the English version of the public service announcement.
Specifically, Sinha says her office wants to protect citizens against hate crimes. But agents can't do that if threats aren't reported.
"We understand some people may be scared or hesitant to come forward to law enforcement for whatever reason, but I want to assure you the FBI is here to serve all communities and keep us all safe," she says in the video.
The public service announcements will be shared with various religious, civic and community organizations, and refugee service providers in Utah.
"Crimes motivated by hate and bigotry have no place in our society, and we won't tolerate them," Sinha said. "The FBI works with our law enforcement partners to ensure everyone, regardless of race, faith, sexual orientation, or disability, feels secure and protected."
According to FBI data, 104 hate crimes were reported in 2022 in Utah compared to 88 in 2021. The data is based on law enforcement agencies who voluntarily summit data. All but 12 agencies submitted data in 2022 and 15 in 2021.
Anyone who believes they are the victim of a hate crime or knows of a possible hate crime in Utah can call the FBI at 801-579-1400 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
