Hood and rope put on UNC statue

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- African American students at UNC Chapel Hill told ABC11 Friday they were "confused" and "distraught" after a plastic hood was put over the head of the "Silent Sam" statue on campus and a rope was placed at its feet.

The intent of the incident by an anonymous person or persons wasn't clear.

The statue of a Confederate Army soldier was erected on campus in 1913 as a memorial to the more than 300 UNC students who died in the Civil War.
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Sculptor John Wilson intended the soldier to be "silent" because there is not a cartridge box on the man's belt so he cannot fire his gun - hence the "Silent Sam" name.

The statue has frequently been a source of controversy and the scene of protests over the years.

UNC officials said there was no damage to the statue and they are investigating.

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