(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A video shared to FOX21 News shows a mayoral candidate’s campaign sign vandalized with a racial slur in front of a burning cross.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed it is in the early stages of an investigation.

The video shows Yemi Mobolade’s campaign sign spray painted in red with a racial slur and a cross lit on fire in front of it.

Mobolade said he is aware of the video but does not know if the video was real or if it was staged.

“Either way, it’s reprehensible,” said Mobolade. “This is not the Colorado Springs we know and it is likely the actions of an unhealthy individual.”

The City’s mayoral candidate went on to say the video is “heinous content” that is a “distraction from what this election is about– our families and building a Colorado Springs that puts our families first.”

In response to the video footage, the Rocky Mountain National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) called on Southern Colorado law enforcement to protect citizens.

“… We’re asking law enforcement step up to the plate to be able to make sure that, you know, all citizens are protected,” Rashad Younger, Press Secretary of Rocky Mountain NAACP.

The organization also encouraged the community to cast their ballot in the runoff election.

“… Do not let this steer you wrong, because that’s the main point and that’s the main thing that is trying to be accomplished with this tactic,” Younger said. “And we’re not going to accept it and you shouldn’t accept that either.”

The candidate in the runoff election for mayor, Wayne Williams, condemned the act and said such sentiments and actions have no place in Colorado Springs.

Both Mobolade and Williams appeared at a candidate forum Monday evening, April 24.