Andover Police Respond To Noose In Resident's Yard

ANDOVER, MA — Andover police this week responded to a resident's home after a noose was seen on display in the yard, according to a statement by the town's legislative delegation.

"Symbols and acts of hate have no place in Andover and in every case, they will be actively and thoroughly investigated by the Andover Police Department," the town said Thursday.

State Rep. Tram Nguyen said she was sent a photo by a Black resident who saw it while driving. She reached out to Andover police, who told her the noose was taken down after an officer spoke to the homeowner.

"Given America's long and troubled history of slavery and racism, and the association of the noose with that, it's not a leap to assume that it's meant as an act of intimidation and threat," Nguyen said.

State Sen. Barry Finegold and state Rep. Frank Moran joined Nguyen in condemning the display of the noose.

"This week, the town of Andover experienced an unwelcome act of hate in our community," the legislators wrote. "Thanks to swift action from our local police, a disturbing and all too familiar image of racism was taken down quickly.

"We, as elected leaders, believe it is important to stand together rejecting hate in Andover and elsewhere. This act is not reflective of our caring and diverse communities, but rather an unwelcome message from one individual."

The three Democratic legislators wrote that while free speech is a "core tenet of our freedoms ... We will not tolerate speech that threatens our friends and neighbors."

The town gave an update Thursday on its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, began earlier in the summer amid nationwide Black Lives Matter protests and an incident where a Dominican resident was approached by a town employee while checking her mail.

The Select Board and Town Manager made diversity, equity and inclusion work a goal for 2020-2021, and committed to funding dedicated resources for that work. A planned survey on experiences with racism in town is due to go out by the end of October.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.