Hate crimes and bias-motivated offenses are primarily driven by racial or ethnic prejudice, where individuals or groups are targeted based on their perceived race, ethnicity, or national origin.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 is the federal law that specifically addresses hate crimes in the United States.

Hate crime legislation aims to achieve multiple objectives, including punishing offenders more severely, providing support and resources to victims, and deterring future hate crimes.

African Americans are the most frequently targeted group in hate crimes in the United States.

Prejudice refers to the perception that a particular group is inferior to others.

Assault is a type of hate crime that involves physical violence or the threat of violence against an individual or group.

Discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their perceived characteristics.

Property Damage is a type of hate crime that involves damaging or destroying property belonging to an individual or group.

Xenophobia refers to the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.

Verbal Harassment is a type of hate crime that involves using words or gestures to harass or intimidate an individual or group.

Racism refers to the belief that one's own race or ethnic group is superior to others.

Intimidation is a type of hate crime that involves threatening or attempting to harm an individual or group.

Stereotyping refers to the belief that all members of a particular group share certain negative characteristics.

Targeted Violence is a type of hate crime that involves intentionally targeting an individual or group based on their perceived characteristics.

Religious Intolerance refers to the belief that one's own religion is superior to others.