ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Dozens rallied Monday outside Allentown City Hall, where they demanded a federal investigation after a city employee reported finding a noose on her desk last week.
Community activist Pas Simpson called for the FBI to take over the Allentown Police Department’s probe.
“It has to go federal because this is a hate crime,” Simpson said, urging residents to flood the FBI tip line and attend City Council’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
City Communications Manager Genesis Ortega on Monday said Allentown police are “making progress” with their investigation and indicated city officials have not sought federal intervention or assistance.
“If additional support is needed, the Allentown Police Department will reach out to collaborate with any appropriate partner agencies,” Ortega said.
“It has to go federal because this is a hate crime."Pas Simpson, community activist
City officials “are prepared to act swiftly to hold any individuals accountable” for what he called a “horrible and unacceptable incident,” Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said in a statement.
“Our commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees remains unwavering."
Reopen independent investigation: Protesters
Protest organizer Josie Lopez read off a list of demands, topped by having federal authorities lead the investigation into the noose.
She called for officials to reopen an independent investigation into claims of workplace discrimination and racism by and against city employees.
Starting a new probe “will avoid prolonged litigation, prevent delays and significantly reduce legal costs on city taxpayers."Allentown City Council statement
The investigation is on hold after council members paused litigation against the mayor last month and agreed to work with the administration to launch a new investigation.
“By stopping this investigation … Matt Tuerk, you allowed a hate crime to be committed against your employee,” Lopez, using a bullhorn, yelled toward City Hall.
Allentown City Council released a statement Monday morning that says it “unequivocally condemns” racism and workplace discrimination.
Council members said they plan to hire a law firm to lead a comprehensive analysis of the city’s workplace policies, with the process to begin by the end of this month.
Starting a new probe “will avoid prolonged litigation, prevent delays and significantly reduce legal costs on city taxpayers,” members said in the statement.
‘A symbol of hatred’
Simpson on Monday criticized the city Police Department for its characterization of the noose.
Allentown police on Friday said they were investigating “a small item resembling a noose” found at City Hall.
“They have the nerve to write, ‘a little noose.' A noose is a noose, and it’s all despicable.”Pas Simpson, community activist
“They have the nerve to write ‘a little noose,’” Simpson said. “A noose is a noose, and it’s all despicable.”
Union Baptist Church Pastor Benjamin Hailey called the noose “a symbol of hatred” and “an attack on the entire community.”
“Enough is enough,” Hailey said before asking protestors to pray “for our sister who was traumatized.”
Simpson also questioned the department’s ability to handle the investigation.
“We know they have their hands full investigating their own right now,” Simpson said, referring to rape and prostitution-related charges filed Friday against a current and a former Allentown police officer.
Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and a representative from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission were among those gathered.
"Acts like this have long plagued our communities and serve as a painful reminder of the work still ahead," said PLBC Chairman and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. "I am deeply dismayed but unfortunately not surprised."
Said state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and secretary of the PLCB: "This act is against the very spirit on which Pennsylvania was founded – tolerance – and is a sacrilege to the memory of the many men, women and children who were lynched throughout the United States, all victims of white supremacy. We're not going back, and we're not backing down. Hate has no place here."
