Officials are trying to question three white freshman University of Mississippi students about a noose that was placed around the neck of the James Meredith statue on Sunday. Meredith was the school’s first African-American student.
Ole Miss officials said in a statement Friday that they are trying to get answers from three white Georgia freshman, all 19, but they will not cooperate, notes The New York Times. Two of the students did agree to answer questions on Thursday, but did not show up. Their names were not released because of a privacy law.
In addition to the noose, a flag with the Confederate battle symbol was also left by the feet of the bronze statue.
Reuters reports that Calvin Sellers, university chief of police, said the students’ attorneys refused to let their clients speak until an arrest warrant is issued.
While officials didn’t say what charges they were considering, they “believe sufficient evidence exists to bring criminal charges against the suspects.” The FBI is also investigating the incident.
The alumni association is offering $25,000 for any information that helps the case.
image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
