Two nooses found on trees at Mississippi Capitol as voters decide on candidate who joked about 'public hanging'

Two nooses were found on Monday hanging at the Mississippi State Capitol.

WLBT reported that the two lynching symbols were found Monday morning around 7:15 a.m.

The nooses were removed by Capitol Police, who are said to be investigating the matter. Hate signs were also found at the scene, authorities said.

The act of vandalism comes amid a Mississippi Senate runoff between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. Hyde-Smith has recently come under fire for telling a supporter she would attend a "public hanging" in his honor.

President Donald Trump was scheduled to attend an afternoon rally for Hyde-Smith in Mississippi on Monday.