Area Residents Gather, Pray, at Hate Crime Site

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque residents gathered Sunday in solidarity at the site of a cross burning that occurred in the city last week.

Participants tied small strips of fabric together to show a physical sign of unity in the wake of the incident. They prayed and sang as they held the tied strips in a wide circle.

Police are investigating the two burnt crosses found last week as a hate crime. They say they've reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI for assistance.

A spokesman for the Dubuque branch of the NAACP says he was impressed by the event's turnout, but that there's work to be done to fight racism in Dubuque.

At least 14 cross burnings occurred in Dubuque from 1988 to 1993.