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Hate Crime Incident Report

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Report of a criminal act motivated by bias against race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

PDF TemplateUse the instructions below to complete this form

Instructions

Report the incident to local law enforcement immediately. Document the crime including evidence of bias motivation (slurs used, symbols left at the scene, pattern of targeting). Also report to the FBI via tips.fbi.gov or your local FBI field office. The federal hate crimes statute covers crimes motivated by actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. State hate crime laws may provide additional protections and reporting mechanisms.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.