A 21-year-old man has been charged with hate crimes and arson for setting fire to a cross in Chicago's Grant Park. The suspect, Merlin Lu, admitted to building and burning the cross, claiming it was a protest against Donald Trump and not racially motivated, though he acknowledged the historical significance of the act.
The incident highlights the enduring symbolism of cross burning as a hate crime and raises questions about the motivations behind such acts, particularly when linked to political protest.
A 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, has been arrested and charged with hate crimes and arson for setting fire to a cross in Chicago's Grant Park on June 9. Lu admitted to constructing the cross and igniting it, stating his actions were a protest against President Donald Trump and not racially motivated, although he acknowledged the historical context of cross burning as a symbol of hate and white supremacy.
Lu faces four felony counts, including two hate crime charges, as well as charges for arson and damaging city property. He also faces four misdemeanor charges, including breach of peace, reckless conduct, damage to property, and cross burning to intimidate. Prior to his arrest, Lu told NBC Chicago that he built the cross himself and used toilet paper and lighter fluid to start the fire. He denied it was a hate crime but admitted he should have protested differently and was aware of the act's historical relevance.
Pastor Michael L. Pfleger of Chicago’s Faith Community of Saint Sabina had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrator of the incident. Police had released photos of a person of interest they believed was fleeing the scene. Lu is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing.