The [[FBI]] has investigated hate crimes since World War I. However, the federal government stepped up its involvement after the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Both state and federal laws covered many hate crimes such as assault, menacing, and even manslaughter. Traditionally, FBI investigations of hate crimes were limited to crimes in which the perpetrators acted based on a bias against the victim’s race, color, religion, or national origin. In addition, FBI investigations were restricted to those wherein the victim was engaged in a federally protected activity. | The [[FBI]] has investigated hate crimes since World War I. However, the federal government stepped up its involvement after the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Both state and federal laws covered many hate crimes such as assault, menacing, and even manslaughter. Traditionally, FBI investigations of hate crimes were limited to crimes in which the perpetrators acted based on a bias against the victim’s race, color, religion, or national origin. In addition, FBI investigations were restricted to those wherein the victim was engaged in a federally protected activity. |