More Noose Discoveries In DC Spark Outrage

WASHINGTON, DC — In the days since a noose was discovered at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall, locals have reported more nooses in the city.

Authorities discovered a noose hung from several doors at Anne Beers Elementary School in Southeast D.C., prompting a vigil and prayer service on Sunday in response, according to numerous reports.

Police reportedly are investigating, but no one knows who hung the noose yet.

Authorities also discovered a noose at a house under construction in Southeast, which would be the fifth time the racist intimidation symbol was found in the nation's capital in recent weeks, according to CNN.

Two nooses were found at or near the African American History Museum in late May, one in the history gallery of the museum and the other in a tree on museum grounds.

Nooses were hung around American University in Northwest D.C. in early May, an incident that campus police called a "racially motivated hate crime."

Another noose incident happened just outside of D.C. at the University of Maryland back in April, when one was left in the kitchen of a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house.

After the museum incident, Smithsonian NMAAHC Founding Director Lonnie Bunch released a statement calling it a "horrible act" and a "stark reminder of why our work is so important."

"The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity -- a symbol of extreme violence for African Americans," he wrote. "Today's incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face.

"Our museum is a place of learning and solace," the statement continues. "A place to remember, to reflect and to engage in important discussions that help change America."

Watch: Noose Found In The National Museum Of African-American History And Culture

U.S. Park Police reportedly are investigating, but no one has yet been arrested in connection to any of the incidents.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened on the National Mall to much fanfare late last year, and it has been one of the toughest tickets in town since, with timed passes selling out almost immediately every time they are released. Then-President Barack Obama spoke at the museum's star-studded opening.

The Smithsonian Institution describes the NMAAHC as the "only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture."

Image via Wikimedia user Fuzheado