Construction came to a halt at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago after a noose was reportedly found in the foundation on Thursday. The center, located in Jackson Park on the city’s South Side, will be home to former President Barack Obama’s presidential library and museum.
The company overseeing construction on the project — Lakeside Alliance — responded to the incident in a statement, saying, “This morning we were informed that an act of hate was discovered at the project site. We reported the incident to the police and will provide any assistance required to identify those responsible.”
“CBS Mornings” host Gayle King reported on Friday that Lakeside Alliance had offered a $100,000 reward for information that led to finding the person who was responsible for placing it there.
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King showed video of a Chicago police officer leaving the construction site that will eventually be the Obama Presidential Center, wearing a protective vest and carrying a bag that appeared to contain a length of rope.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) also released a statement on Twitter, saying, “Hate has no place in Illinois. The noose is more than a symbol of racism, it is a heart-stopping reminder of the violence and terror inflicted on Black Americans for centuries.”
“I condemn this act of hate in the strongest possible terms, and the state of Illinois will make all needed resources available to help catch the perpetrators,” Pritzker added.
The Obama Foundation called it a “shameless act of cowardice and hate,” saying that it was “designed to get attention and divide us.”
“Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce. We have notified authorities who are investigating the incident,” their statement concluded.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) confirmed that the police department was investigating the situation and would continue to keep her apprised of any new developments.
“This afternoon I was made aware of a disturbing, hateful incident that occurred near the Obama Presidential Library construction site. Racism and racist symbols have no place in Chicago, and those inciting it will be held responsible for this repulsive act,” she said in a statement.
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