$100k Reward Offered for Information about Noose Left at Obama Center
(TheRedWire.com) – In September 2021, workers broke ground to begin construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park. Former President Barack Obama previously visited the site to meet with construction workers and offer his gratitude to the diverse group of individuals building his presidential library. On Thursday, November 10, Lakeside Alliance, a group of minority-owned construction companies working on the project, suddenly stopped work on the building after workers discovered a noose. Company officials subsequently put up a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the incident.
Construction was halted today at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, after a noose was found at the worksite, in what officials called a " shameless act of cowardice and hate." $100,000 reward being offered to help find those responsible. https://t.co/1Gki8FxWqS
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) November 10, 2022
Workers told CBS Chicago someone found the noose in the basement of the building. The company instructed workers to stop what they were doing immediately until further notice, called the police, and began anti-bias training. Construction worker Rico Pineda said he was distraught and angry about the incident. He noted guards secured the facility, which had 24-hour surveillance, and guards required IDs to provide workers access to the site. He said the only way in was through or over the gate.
On Thursday, the Obama Foundation released a statement. It called the noose a “shameless act of cowardice and hate,” which served as a symbol of division. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) condemned the incident on Twitter.
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. https://t.co/YQU0h1UEc8
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) November 10, 2022
The governor said it was more than just a symbol of racism. He said a noose was a reminder of violence and terror enacted on Black Americans.
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