Toby Melville/Reuters
Nooses and other “hate signs” were reportedly found at the Mississippi State Capitol Monday, one day before the runoff Senate election between Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. According to local news station WLBT, two nooses were found hanging from trees and “several hate signs” were found on the grounds of the building just after 7 a.m. State Capitol police reportedly took down the nooses and signs while an investigation into the matter continues. “The perpetrators of this act will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Governor Phil Bryant said in a Monday statement. “I have contacted the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance.” Police reportedly told the news station they were “reviewing” surveillance video to determine who hung the nooses and put up the signs. President Trump is also slated to visit the state for two rallies, The Guardian reports. This comes after Hyde-Smith publicly joked about a “public hanging” earlier this month and was pictured wearing a Confederate hat.