Hate Crime: Student Charged After Noose Found In U of I Elevator

CHAMPAIGN, IL — A 19-year-old University of Illinois student is charged with a felony hate crime after authorities say he placed a noose inside an elevator at a residence hall Sunday. Andrew Smith, of Urbana, also faces a disorderly conduct charge.

University of Illinois police said staff at Allen Hall reported finding the noose at around 1 a.m. Sunday. The noose was hanging in an elevator in a public area in the residence hall, police said, adding that their investigation identified Smith as the offender.

"Our mission at the University Police Department is to maintain a safe and secure environment where our campus community members feel supported and successful," Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Craig Stone said. "We do not tolerate incidents that are perceived by others to be a threat to their safety, and we will always respond quickly to identify offenders and hold them accountable for those actions."

After the incident, police said university officials communicated with residents and campus community members about available resources. University Housing and Student Affairs staff across campus were available to help students access support services.

Campus police said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216.

Smith was reportedly arrested late Monday and scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Champaign County jail records indicated Smith remained in custody early Tuesday afternoon.