Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Calls for Tougher Hate Crime Laws Amid Asian American Attacks

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called for tougher hate crime laws at either the federal or state level amid numerous attacks against Asian Americans.

During an interview with the civic media organization A Starting Point (ASP), Hogan spoke about hate crimes against Asian Americans and was asked if he believes that the federal government or state leaders should increase the penalty for hate crimes.

The comments by Hogan come amid an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

According to a study published by Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, hate crimes across the nation decreased overall by 7 percent in 2020, while hate crimes against Asian Americans increased by almost 150 percent.

Hogan made similar comments in March during a virtual conversation with Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin to discuss the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans, citing a report from Stop AAPI Hate, which found 140 hate crime incidents reported across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., in March 2020.

During his conversation with Raskin, Hogan also noted that in response to the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans, he directed the Maryland State Police and other law enforcement agencies across the state "to immediately increase enhanced visibility patrols and to try to provide increased protection for members of our Asian community.".