Overview
- A large wooden cross was set on fire in Grant Park and firefighters extinguished the blaze with no reported injuries, the object being discovered during the afternoon on Tuesday.
- Chicago police have opened an active arson investigation, released a surveillance photo of a person seen fleeing the scene, and have not announced any arrests.
- Faith leaders and city officials condemned the incident and the Faith Community of Saint Sabina offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
- Cross burnings are historically linked to white supremacist intimidation, and the U.S. Supreme Court has held that cross burning can be criminal when done to intimidate, which is why investigators are reviewing evidence before labeling the case a hate crime.
- Authorities say they will pursue tips and review Grant Park surveillance and private camera footage, and the case has prompted calls for increased security and community outreach as witnesses described feeling shaken by the imagery.