Dubuque police say they are investigating the discovery of what are believed to be two burned crosses in a residential neighborhood at 22nd and Washington Streets as a hate crime.

Dubuque Police Chief Mark Dalsing spoke at a news conference this morning and says they believe two crosses were burned between 4 and 5 A.M. Wednesday.

“Regardless of the motive or intent the suspect or suspects may’ve had — we take any hate crime with the utmost seriousness and urgency,” Dalsing says. The city had a similar incident more than two decades ago, and Dalsing says they have come a long way since then.

“The city of Dubuque and its citizens have worked too hard to erase the ugliness perpetrated by cowards 25 years ago, and we will not allow these current cowards or coward to destroy what we have accomplished over the last 25 years,” Dalsing says. Miquel Jackson, vice president of the Dubuque NAACP also spoke.

“However this investigation may turn out, we are here because racism and hatred are much alive in Dubuque. And that is not to say all Dubuque is racist, because that would encompass all Dubuque residents. And that is not the case,” Jackson says.

Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol made a strong statement about the issue. “I wish to send a very clear message that we condemn any criminal act that carries a message of hate and bigotry toward any group in this community, ” Buol says. “To be clear. Such behavior will not be tolerated.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have been notified of the incident.

Dubuque police are asking anyone with any information on this incident or others to call 563-589-4415 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-747-0117. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000).

You can also submit tips anonymously online at www.cityofdubuque.org/police or through the MyDBQ smartphone app available at www.cityofdubuque.org/MyDBQ

(Thanks to KCRG TV)