Noose found at Obama Presidential Center site, pausing construction, builders say

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November 10, 2022

By Phil Helsel, NBC News

The Obama Presidential Center under construction on Nov. 10, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune via Getty Images)

Construction has been suspended at the Obama Presidential Center after a noose was found at the site on Chicago’s South Side, the builders said Thursday, condemning what they called an “act of hate.”

“We are horrified that this would occur on our site,” the Lakeside Alliance, the group of construction companies building the center, said in a statement.

The Lakeside Alliance said it was informed Thursday morning about the discovery at the project site and reported it to police.

A Chicago police spokesperson said the department is investigating.

The Lakeside Alliance said it is pausing construction and offering a $100,000 reward to help find the person or people responsible.

NBC News has more details.

Racists often resort to lynching symbolism to show their dislike of President Obama. Like many Black people who understand the impact of lynching, Obama keeps his head held high.

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