Noose hung from Queens water tower prompts NYPD hate crime probe

QUEENS, N.Y. -- Police are on the lookout for two unidentified men who allegedly hung a noose from a water tower on Northern Boulevard Tuesday night, prompting an investigation by the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. at the location of 82-26 Northern Boulevard.

Witnesses reported that the men climbed the structure to place the noose before fleeing the scene on foot. Authorities indicated that the suspects were last seen running southbound on 83rd Street, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

The NYPD has released descriptions of the two suspects. The first individual was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants, while the second was also wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, complemented by a burgundy vest.

This incident has garnered significant attention due to the symbolic nature of the noose, which is widely recognized as a representation of hate and intimidation in the United States. As a result, law enforcement has increased scrutiny on the matter.

"The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating," police confirmed in a statement regarding the incident.