Colorado Governor Jared Polis has joined a group of other Democratic governors in calling for an increase in funding for security at places of worship.
The group, led by Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, has sent a letter to Congress urging for an increase in funding to the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This comes as concerns grow over threats against Jewish and Muslim communities following the recent Israel-Hamas war.
Polis, along with the governors of 10 other states and Puerto Rico, addressed both chambers of Congress in the letter, expressing their concerns and emphasizing the need for increased security measures.
A Democratic group of governors led by Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer have joined national leaders in calling for an increase in funding for security at places of worship as concerns grow over threats against Jewish and Muslim communities sparked by the Israel-Hamas war. (AP)
“My fellow governors and I are calling for an increase to the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program so we can help keep people safe amid rising threats and violence targeted towards Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and houses of worship,” said Whitmer.
President Joe Biden has already requested an additional $200 million for the security grant program in a supplemental budget request last month. Meanwhile, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has asked for an additional $1 billion to combat hate crimes targeting places of worship and other community gathering spaces.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined the group of governors and leaders to discuss this annual report released last month -- the FBI estimated hate crimes increased by 7% to 11,634 cases in 2022 compared to the previous year. With 1,124 incidents, anti-Jewish attacks were the second-most reported hate crime, after anti-Black cases.
The Democratic governors' letter highlights recent incidents of hate crimes across the country, including the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Chicago and a man in Michigan who was arrested after expressing a desire to hunt Palestinians. These incidents are just a few of many that have occurred since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, leading to increased fears of violence against Jewish and Muslim communities.
The FBI's annual hate crime report released last month also showed an increase in reported incidents, with anti-Jewish attacks being the second-most reported hate crime after anti-Black cases. With 158 reported incidents of anti-Muslim attacks and 92 reported incidents of anti-Arab hate crimes, the need for increased security measures at places of worship is more important than ever.
READ MORE:
In New York, state education officials have released $45 million in funds for school safety equipment specifically for non-public schools, including Islamic and Jewish schools. The head of an Islamic school in Manhattan, Khadijah Jean Pryce, expressed gratitude for the funds, stating that it will help ensure “safety and peace of mind for our students, staff, and families.”
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to spark violence and threats, communities are pushing for increased funding to protect places of worship and other vulnerable communities.