Nooses were found hanging from trees at the state Capitol in Jackson Monday.

According to Chuck McIntosh, director of communications for Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration, between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Monday, someone called WLBT-Channel 3 and told them they needed to report to the south lawn of the Capitol. When they arrived, McIntosh said, they found two nooses and six signs. In their reporting, WLBT described the signs as "hate signs," but the content appears to be political in nature.

McIntosh said the reporter called Capitol Police and the nooses and signs were removed.

Capitol Police are posted inside the Capitol and patrol the grounds, he said. Surveillance footage is being reviewed. While the investigation is in the early stages, McIntosh said, to his knowledge, police believe the nooses and signs were displayed around 7 a.m.

In an emailed statement, Gov. Phil Bryant said, "The perpetrators of this act will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Bryant said he contacted the Department of Public Safety and the FBI for assistance.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst issued a statement that "we are actively looking into these acts of hate and intimidation."

Hurst said "there is absolutely no place in our state for these unacceptable symbols or tactics to intimidate others. If we find evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that a federal crime has occurred, these criminals will be swiftly prosecuted and held accountable.”

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves called the display "a reprehensible act" and said he will support "the resources necessary to find those responsible."

The incident occurred the day before the state's runoff election between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. The race has garnered national attention with the Trump-endorsed Republican proclaiming to a supporter that if she were invited to a "public hanging" she would "be on the front row."

Photos of the signs were posted on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Facebook page Monday afternoon. Two of the signs read, in different handwriting and different color ink, "We're hanging nooses to REMIND people that times HAVEN'T CHANGED" and "On Tuesday November 27th thousands of Mississippians will vote for a senator we need someone who will respect the lives of lynch victims."

Trump is traveling to Tupelo this afternoon and Biloxi tonight for rallies on Hyde-Smith's behalf.