MINNEAPOLIS - The early morning discovery of a burned cat at Longfellow Park in Minneapolis drew police and even federal authorities, when a park employee discovered a political message attached to the dead animal.

"The poor animal was burnt and there was a little American flag stuck into the burnt body, it was pretty disturbing," said Tamie Drackert, who lives across the street from the south end of the park, north of East 35th street.

She saw police officers gather around the burned cat, which was staked onto a stump with an election sign planted nearby.

"The sign said "Obama" on it, it was a yard sign, they took that down right away," she said.

Drackert and her family also saw investigators from the Department of Homeland Security arrive on scene.

"I'm not really concerned. I don't think it's a big political statement, but you don't know these days some people flying off the handle at any given whim," said Scott Drackert.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation spokesperson Dawn Sommers said her department has not determined which direction the investigation will go, but says given the political message, it may involve additional agencies.

KARE 11 has learned the Secret Service was also consulted about the incident.

Mandy Rohde, a neighbor, said she saw the dead animal while taking her two daughters to school. She says her girls thought it was a rodent or possibly a prank. By the end of the day, the Rohde family learned the situation was worse than they imagined.

"If you want to make your political statements, you have the right to do that. But to hurt other creatures in the process is morbid and unacceptable," said Rohde.

The main building at Longfellow Park is an election polling site. Tuesday is also primary election day in Minnesota.

So far, no arrests have been made.

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