A noose was found at the construction site of the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago — a startling discovery that caused construction to pause on former President Barack Obama’s $830-million legacy project, officials say.
The noose was discovered Thursday at the center, located in a city park on the city’s South Side. Chicago Police confirmed to USA TODAY they were investigating the incident but did not offer any additional information.
Lakeside Alliance, a Black-owned construction firm building the project, said it was “horrified” over the incident and would offer a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the person “responsible for this shameful act.”
The firm said the noose was discovered in the morning hours and reported to authorities. They said they paused all operations at the construction site to allow conversations with staff about the incident and provide anti-bias training to workers, which they said was required for all employees when hired.
“We have zero tolerance for any form of bias or hate on our worksite,” Lakeside Alliance said in a statement to USA TODAY. “Lakeside Alliance remains committed to providing a work environment where everyone can feel safe, be their best self, and is treated with dignity and respect.”
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Construction on the Obama Presidential Center, located in Jackson Park, started last year, and the center is set to include a museum, public library branch and outdoor space when completed in 2026. Obama has said he hopes the center would help promote the city’s South Side and bring Chicagoans together.
The Obama Foundation said the noose discovery was an attempt to “divide.”
“This shameless act of cowardice and hate is designed to get attention and divide us,” the foundation said in a statement. “Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce. We have notified authorities who are investigating the incident.”
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Public officials, from the city’s mayor to Gov. J. B. Pritzker, condemned the act of hate.
“Hate has no place in Illinois,” Pritzker said on Twitter. “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.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the incident was “disturbing” and “repulsive” in a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Racism and racist symbols have no place in Chicago, and those inciting it will be held responsible for this repulsive act,” the mayor said.