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The FBI and Justice Department are assisting the Altoona Police Department’s investigation after a noose was found last month at a work site on the Facebook Data Center property in Altoona, Iowa.

Altoona police officials say they contacted the FBI on June 19, the day the noose was found. The date coincided with Juneteenth, the annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery. 

Interviews are still being conducted in the investigation, according to Altoona Police Department Public Information Officer Alyssa Wilson. While federal investigators were already involved with the incident, as of Thursday, all information in the case will be filtered through the FBI’s Omaha office.

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A pair of construction trade groups announced Thursday that they’re offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with the case. North America’s Building Trades Unions and the Central Iowa Building & Construction Trades Council said in a news release that the reward expires Sept. 1.

“We believe in America, and no one should experience fear, workplace intimidation, or be subjected to hateful symbols of racism,” Earl Agan, Central Iowa Building & Construction Trades president, said in the release. “We stand united against racism and discrimination and are committed to ensuring our members feel safe on the job.” 

The release says anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call 202-227-2964 or email reward@nabtu.org. Altoona police have also urged anyone with information regarding the case to call 515-967-5132 and reference case 20-000756.

Follow Philip Joens on Twitter: @Philip_Joens. 

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