Item resembling a noose found on Allentown City Hall employee's desk, police say
Allentown police are investigating after an item resembling a noose was found on a City Hall employee's desk, according to officials.
Police say that at around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, they were notified that a "small item resembling a noose" was found on a Black employee's desk at Allentown City Hall.
Allentown City Councilmember Ce-Ce Gerlach said federal authorities should also get involved in the investigation.
"Now [the employee is] traumatized and scared," Gerlach said. "I've spoken to other Black employees in City Hall just now -- they're scared. They're wondering, 'Am I next?' And they're wondering, what's next? Will I have a noose on my desk tomorrow? Will my tires be slashed? Am I safe to work here?"
Gerlach called it a hate crime and said the person responsible should be fired and arrested.
Allentown Police Department is investigating the incident and urges anyone with information to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 610-437-7721. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Tip411.