Leaders of NAACP’s Dubuque branch have demanded more information from police about two burnt crosses found in the city last week.
The group held a press conference for the media and 20 attendees to ask police to release more information about the hate crime investigation, the Telegraph Herald reports.
“We demand _ I repeat, we demand _ an update and concrete information as to the events that happened a week ago,” said branch President Anthony Allen.
Allen said there have never been previous instances in which the NAACP asked police for more information and didn’t receive cooperation.
“Going forward, we will push (for more information),” he said. “We have a wonderful relationship, I believe, with the chief of police.”
Police Chief Mark Dalsing didn’t attend the press conference.
“There is still only so much information that I am going to be able to give,” Dalsing said. “I understand their frustration with the lack of information. I believe everyone in the community, the NAACP especially, would be more frustrated if we gave out information that would damage the case and prevent us from making arrests or fully prosecute (those responsible).”
Police say they’ve reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI for assistance in the investigation.
Dubuque has a past with cross burnings. The city received national attention after at least 14 of them were reported from 1988 to 1993
Allen said members of the NAACP branch are going to participate in a local group that promotes an inclusive and safe neighborhood as well as implement a movement to have ongoing discussions about race relations with neighbors.
NAACP officials plan to engage the Holy Family Catholic Schools and the Dubuque Community School District, encouraging both of them to hire a full-time equity director.
Dubuque public schools Superintendent Stan Rheingans said in an email that district officials are always working to establish a culture of inclusion.
