York High Nooses May Be Hate Crime: Police

Elmhurst IL

18 January, 2021

7:05 PM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — A group of adults playing an informal soccer game at the football field outside York High School on Sunday discovered two rope nooses hanging on top of the metal bleachers, police said Monday. The adults, who were playing in the early afternoon, removed the ropes themselves and took them away with the intent to give them to school administrators later, according to an Elmhurst police news release. School administrators were contacted Monday, and they informed the police. An examination revealed both ropes had tape affixed to them with the messages, "Let them play!" and "Hear us now! Please!" Elmhurst police said evidence technicians have processed the scene at the football field. They also said police presence has increased at the York High campus and surrounding neighborhoods as the police department proceeds with the investigation. Additional security cameras also will be installed at the high school, including at the stadium, as a further precaution, police said. The police department said the incident is under "active investigation" as a possible hate crime to determine the motive and identify the suspects, the release said. "The City of Elmhurst has no tolerance for symbols of hatred, oppression and violence," the release said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050.