WALB.com News, Weather and Sports for Albany, Valdosta and Thomasville. Leading the way for South Georgia. | Obama's effigy in Pres. Carter's hometown

Obama's effigy in Pres. Carter's hometown

By Wainwright Jeffers - bio | email

PLAINS, GA (WALB) – A doll found hanging off a Main Street building in Plains is causing controversy.

Controversial enough to get the United States Secret Service involved.

Witnesses say it was an image of President Barack Obama with a rope around his neck, and the display was found hanging in one of the city's most recognizable sites dedicated to former President Jimmy Carter.

A few people were able to snap pictures of the black doll before it was taken down.

"I saw this stuffed thing hanging up," said Alonzo Davis, Plains Resident.

Davis is one of the people who saw the doll hanging off the brick building, he said a sign on the front had President Obama's name on it.

"People have seen it and have the pictures but no body is talking about it," said Davis. "I don't think it's right I don't know if it's someone horse playing or what."

Plains is proud of Jimmy Carter, with patriotism on display almost everywhere. Tourists walked around with no idea of what happened Saturday morning, but some who live here are speaking out.

"It's wrong what they did, but I'm not shocked to hear about it," said Plains resident Trevor Sims. "It's a nice place to live and visit but some people out there don't like it."

Both the Plains Police Department and the Sumter County Sheriff's Office were notified.

The Secret Service is handling the situation, we called and they said they won't have a comment until next week.

©2009 WALB News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.  Feedback