Washington D.C. police are investigating a potential hate crime after what appears to be a noose was found hanging on a tree Friday morning outside a church on Capitol Hill, according to reports.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is located next to the Library of Congress and just two blocks from the US Capitol.
“I was really shocked, kind of a little sick to my stomach and weak kneed,” Rev. Michele Morgan told The Post.
Members of Congress have been known to attend the church, she said, which hosts the National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence each December.
Local councilman Charles Allen posted a photo of it on Twitter, calling it “a despicable symbol & act of hate.”
The noose has since been removed.
“That symbol of hatred has no place in our churchyard, in our city, or our country,” Rev. Morgan posted on the church website yesterday, following a prayer service at the tree. “I know that this symbol causes fear in people’s hearts.”
“These types of offenses are taken seriously and are entirely unacceptable,” the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement reported by Fox News. “We are currently investigating this as a possible hate crime.”
