California is in the throes of a disturbing upswing.
The number of anti-Muslim hate crimes has risen by 122 percent between 2014 and 2015, according to a recent analysis by the Los Angeles Times.
A report by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino showed that 40 anti-Muslim crimes were reported statewide last year as compared to 18 in 2014.
This surge in hate crimes follows the Dec. 2015 terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center, which killed 14 people and injured 22 others, the report found.
“After the San Bernardino attack, we saw a marked jump in hate crimes against Muslims within several days,” Brian Levin, executive director of the Cal State center, said to the LA Times.
Also, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric has contributed to the crime rise, the report said. On Dec. 7, 2015, after Trump floated the idea of banning Muslims from entering the United States, researchers saw an 87.5 percent increase in hate crimes against the community within five days.
“The study shows statements by political leaders can be followed by distinct changes in hate crime incidents," said Kevin Grisham, the center’s assistant director of research.
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The study's findings are based on analysis of data from 20 states. In 2014, residents of those states overall reported 110 hate crimes against Muslims. But 2015 saw a 78 percent increase with 196 reported crimes against Muslims.
