New Yorkers Can Now Get $20,000 For Helping Catch A Hate Crime Suspect

NEW YORK, NY — NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, thinly veiled political rivals who for years have been trapped in a cycle of constant one-uppance and undermining, are teaming up — for once — to offer a $20,000 reward to anyone who comes to the police with information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hate crime suspect.

The announcement comes after a wave of threats to Jewish centers across New York City, most recently at the offices for a senior center in Flatbush.

Threats have also been made toward the Jewish Children's Museum and the Anti-Defamation League's Manhattan headquarters.

"The Statue of Liberty holds the torch high in New York's Harbor, an eternal reminder that our state will always be the beacon for tolerance and acceptance," said Cuomo, whose quote came first in the press release from the governor's office.

"We have zero tolerance for intolerance, and I encourage all New Yorkers to report any instance of hate, bias or discrimination. We will continue to aggressively work with our federal and local partners to hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law, keep our communities safe, and uphold our core values of diversity and inclusion."

The release said that alleged hate crimes have more than doubled so far this year compared to the same time last year.

The $20,000 reward is an increase from the standard $5,000 the state offers for such information.

"The recent spate of threats against our Jewish community are threats against all of us. Those directed at children are particularly disturbing. As New Yorkers, we stand united in the face of cowardly tactics designed to frighten, disrupt and divide us," de Blasio said, in a quote that was placed above the governor in his his own office's press release.

"I'm proud to join forces with the governor as we work with our local, state and federal partners in law enforcement to see that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. The NYPD is the finest police force in the world and I have no doubt those responsible for these incidents will not be able to hide in the shadows for long."

Anyone who has information about hate crimes can call New York State's toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or text "HATE" to 81336. New Yorkers may also call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Images: Bill de Blasio via Kevin Case, Flickr, used under Creative Commons; Andrew Cuomo via MTA