MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama State Troopers are investigating a red substance that was discovered splattered across the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday.
Troopers responded to the steps outside the government building at around 5 p.m. to examine the substance, which left a trail all the way down the stairs, The Montgomery Advertiser reported.
Investigators determined the substance was "a non-permanent tomato-like paste," the newspaper quoted Trooper Michael Carswell as saying.
Metal barricades were placed around the area, Carswell said. No arrests were made.
It was the second time police were called to the Capitol in two days. In a separate incident on Tuesday, a group of protestors were handcuffed and jailed after they began spray painting the asphalt in front of the building during a demonstration against the arrest of other protestors this month, the newspaper said.
Montgomery police Capt. Saba Coleman said protesters were detained and released Tuesday with charges pending. He did not say how many people were detained, but the ACLU of Alabama said nine people were arrested.