Updated

A state assemblyman said he found a dead goat outside his suburban New York home and believes it represents a death threat against him.

Republican Greg Ball said Friday he has been battling corruption in Putnam County and believes the threat comes from "entrenched interests" he would not name. State Police Sgt. Ted Daley says the incident is under investigation. He would not comment on any threat.

Ball said he found the goat Wednesday night with a sign around the animal's neck that said "Viva MS-13," designating a gang made up largely of Central American immigrants. Ball is a vocal opponent of illegal immigration but said he doubts MS-13 is the source.

Ball has expressed interest in running for Congress.