Another Noose Found at Worksite
Another noose has reportedly been found in as many weeks at a downtown construction site. Skanska is the general contracting firm responsible for the construction work at the new Blue Cross Blue Shield building. Thursday Mark Harmon with Skanska gave Newschannel 9 this statement.
"Skanska can confirm that a second noose has been was found and reported to us this morning. We immediately contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are cooperating fully with the FBI's continuing investigation; we continue to provide them with all requested information to assist them. Racism, harassment, and intimidation in any form are not tolerated by Skanska. Any parties found responsible for these acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Besides that press release, Skanska would not answer any of our questions. We did talk with one employee who says he's worked on many construction projects, but has never seen anything like this. He says the tension between the hispanic workers, the women, and the african american employees is clear and that he's heard plans of each group targeting another.
After the first noose was found last week, ten employees were reportedly taken away sick, but Skanska says the noose and the illnesses are not related.
The workers returned Monday morning, then continued working Thursday, even after the noose was found. Skanska says it was a strap hanging in the shape of a noose.
The FBI is involved and went to the site Thursday to investigate.
