TEMPE, Ariz. — A hanging effigy of President-elect Donald Trump is getting a lot of attention in a Tempe neighborhood.
The effigy is made of a Halloween skeleton decoration dressed in an orange jumpsuit and a Trump mask. The mouth of the mask is duct-taped shut and the phrase "stop talking" is written above a list labeled "I DID THAT." The list names controversial situations surrounding Trump.
"I just think it looks lovely, and people can feel free to come by and take a look at it," the homeowner who created the display told 12News.
The homeowner, who did not feel comfortable sharing her name, said she created the display because she disagreed with Trump's policies and beliefs.
“I just got frustrated. It’s my way of showing my frustration. You know, if people don’t like it, that’s too bad. As far as I’m concerned, I still have the right to freedom of speech and until that gets taken away, it’s not coming down," the homeowner said.
The effigy has been on display since before the election, but the homeowner recently hung it from the garage. That's when some neighbors said it went too far.
“I saw it hung up. My first initial thoughts were it’s just a little much," a neighbor said. “It is a little morbid to see something like that in the neighborhood.”
Some neighbors said they agreed with the homeowner's political views but not the hanging display.
“Hanging somebody, seems to me, it’s a little overboard but I understand her feelings," another neighbor said.
When 12News asked the homeowner about the hanging feature of the effigy, she said it was just the manner of display, not a threat.
"It’s not hanging. It’s just hanging because that’s the only way I can hang him up," the homeowner said. "It’s hanging around the skeleton and it’s hanging on two hooks.”
The homeowner said she's received mixed feedback. Some people, she said, drive by her house yelling and screaming. Others have brought her gifts to thank her for the display.
Regardless of political feelings, neighbors said they see it as the homeowner's freedom of speech, adding their neighborhood does not have a Homeowner's Association that would take issue with the display.
“It’s a free country, and I think both sides have been sharing what they want to share," a neighbor said.
Tempe police said no threat was made and no crime can be established, so the display may be up for awhile.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Watch 12News for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!
The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.