The FBI has released a statement following the conclusion of their investigation regarding the noose hanging in Bubba Wallace’s garage. They claim that the noose in question was actually a pull rope for the garage door and was there as early as last fall.

“On Monday (June 22), fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway,” the statement read. “After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed.”

“The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week,” they continued. “The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019. Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.”

“The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws. We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation,” the statement concluded.

NASCAR also released statement through their Twitter account. “The FBI report concludes, and photographic evidence confirms, that the garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose had been positioned there since as early as last fall,” the statement read. “This was obviously well before the 43 team’s arrival and garage assignment.”

Days after NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from their races, Wallace’s team claimed that a noose was found hanging in his garage. He took to Twitter to denounce the “despicable act of racism and hatred” and said that he will not be deterred from his fight against racism.

NASCAR drivers rallied behind Wallace as he became emotional following the incident. Richard Petty, who Wallace races for, stood in support of his racer and said that “there is absolutely no place in our sport or our society for racism.” Check out NASCAR’s statement below.