Noose Found In African-American History Museum In DC

WASHINGTON, DC — A noose was found hanging in a section of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, sparking outrage from the founding director who called it a "horrible act."

The museum reportedly was cleared of visitors and blocked off after the noose was found by a tourist inside the Era of Segregation 1786-1968 gallery.

It was the second such incident in the past week. A noose was found hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum on May 27, but the latest incident is much more disturbing considering the targeted nature of the message.

Watch:

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."

U.S. Park Police reportedly are investigating the noose. There is not yet any indication of whether the perpetrator was captured on camera.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was 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 opening, which was a star-studded event.

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

A statement from our Founding Director Lonnie Bunch on the noose found in our history galleries today. pic.twitter.com/sFWVSaobhV
— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) May 31, 2017

New: Smithsonian employees rally outside African American Museum where noose was found near KKK exhibit @wusa9 @NWDCScoop @nabj pic.twitter.com/ryyjgTW7nA
— bruce johnson (@brucejohnson9) June 1, 2017

Image via Wikimedia user Fuzheado