Overview
- Chicago police say a person of interest is in custody after a large cross was set ablaze in Grant Park on June 9 and firefighters extinguished the blaze.
- NBC Chicago identified a 21-year-old University of Illinois Chicago senior, Merlin Lu, who told reporters he built and burned the cross, placed a red cap he said signified a MAGA hat, and framed the act as a protest against President Trump.
- Lu apologized for offending people, denied KKK ties, said his aim was political not racial, and said his parents have offered legal help while he considers surrendering to authorities.
- The Chicago Police Department labeled the incident arson and the FBI joined the probe, but investigators have not announced charges and say they will review intent before deciding whether a hate-crime count applies.
- The burning cross is widely seen as a symbol of racial terror tied to the Ku Klux Klan, which has driven public outrage, a $10,000 reward for information, and differing media and community reactions about motive and coverage.