FILE – President Barack Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) – A noose was found Wednesday afternoon at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. according to the Smithsonian.
The noose was seen at an exhibition on segregation between 1786 and 1968 before being removed by Park Police. An investigation took place closing the exhibit for three hours. It is the second time this week that a noose was found in the area. Last Friday, a noose was seen hanging on a tree outside of Hirshhorn Museum after it had already been closed for the day.
In an email to staff members, director of the museum Lonnie Bunch called the incident “painful.”
“The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity—a symbol of extreme violence for African Americans. Today’s incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face,” Bunch said.
David Skorton, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, also condemned these acts calling them cowardly in an email.
“The Smithsonian family stands together in condemning this act of hatred and intolerance, especially repugnant in a museum that affirms and celebrates the American values of inclusion and diversity.” Skorton said. “We will not be intimated. Cowardly acts like these will not, for one moment, prevent us from the vital work we do. We will remain vigilant and, in spite of these deplorable acts, we will become a stronger institution for all Americans.”
U.S. Park Police is still investigating the situation.