Nooses found hanging at Mississippi state Capitol

A pair of nooses, as well as several hate signs, were found hanging outside the Mississippi state Capitol on Monday. 

The nooses were placed on trees right next to the building, according to images obtained by WLBT 3, a local NBC affiliate. 

State Capitol police took the nooses and signs down after they were discovered, the outlet reported. They are currently investigating the matter. 

{mosads}Police told the local NBC affiliate that it’s reviewing surveillance video as part of its investigation into the incident. While images were posted online of the nooses, it is unclear what the signs said. 

Chuck McIntosh, director of communications for the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration, told The Clarion-Ledger that police believe the nooses and signs were put up at about 7 a.m. 

The nooses were discovered near the Capitol one day before a Senate runoff election between Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) and Democratic candidate Mike Espy. 

The race has gained national attention in recent weeks as Espy vies to become the first African-American to earn a Senate seat in Mississippi since 1883. 

President Trump is visiting Mississippi on Monday night to headline a pair of rallies for Hyde-Smith, who was tapped to replace retired Sen. Thad Cochran (R).