'End Hate Now' Hotline Launched In Massachusetts

BOSTON — A new hotline in Massachusetts will be dedicated to reporting hate-based incidents or potential criminal activity.

U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said on Wednesday that her office is launching 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) where callers are encouraged to report potential hate crimes, and concerns about groups or individuals espousing hate-filled views or actions that could be indicative of the potential for a hate-based crime or violent extremism.

The line will be available in English, Spanish, Cantonese and French. Callers will have the option to remain anonymous.

"With the uptick in horrific mass shootings and unimaginable acts of racially motivated violent extremism we have seen across our country, people are scared," Rollins said. "In Massachusetts, we have recently seen multiple incidents of groups espousing deeply offensive and hurtful ideologies displayed on our streets."

Rollins said those incidents include vandalism at the future PRYDE senior housing facility in Hyde Park that threatened burning and death against the LGBTQ+ community.

"Enough is enough," Rollins said. "My office is offering our residents and visitors a new outlet for bringing these critical and concerning issues seeped in bigotry and hatred to the attention of law enforcement.

"I am asking people — when you see hate, call this number and let us know. If you have serious concerns about a loved one, a friend, or even an acquaintance, call this number and let us know. We have dedicated resources to these important issues and stand ready to act when necessary. This too is a vitally important form of community policing."

Hate crimes are considered illegal acts committed based on a victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.

Under federal law, investigations may not be based solely on an individual's beliefs or their protected First Amendment activity.

Rollins also said that U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley will fill the role of Unit Chief in the newly created Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Division.

Riley recently served as the Chief of Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit for the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, where she prosecuted and supervised cases involving human trafficking and online exploitation of youth and adults.

She will supervise a unit of three federal prosecutors and support staff and will work closely with the Office's existing five-member Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Serafyn.

"Protecting Massachusetts residents from violence and hate is the top priority of my administration," Rollins said. "In Massachusetts, we have a long history of standing up to hate and intolerance.

"Today, we continue that honored tradition."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)