University of Illinois student Andrew Smith has been charged with a felony hate crime after being accused of leaving a noose in a residence hall elevator. Photo: Champaign County Sheriff’s Office

A 19-year-old University of Illinois student has been charged with a hate crime after a noose was found hanging in a dorm elevator on campus.

Champaign County Assistant State’s Attorney Kristin Alferink said Andrew Smith found some rope in Allen Hall over the weekend and tied it into a noose, according to the Chicago Tribune, and then hung it in an elevator at a residence hall on the university’s Urbana-Champaign campus. Other students reported finding the noose early Sunday.

Smith was arrested Monday night and charged with a felony hate crime count and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. A judge set Smith’s bond at $5,000 in court on Wednesday.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted Tuesday that, “Hate has no place in Illinois or in its educational institutions.”

“I’m glad swift action was taken to address this incident,” he continued. “I’m committed to fighting intolerance and bigotry everywhere in our state and building a culture of learning at our universities that serves all students. Support is being offered on campus for students who may wish to participate or attend community meetings to share their voices and experiences.”