CHICAGO, IL – A 21-year-old Chicago resident is facing serious felony charges after allegedly erecting and burning a cross in Grant Park earlier this month.
The Charges
Chicago Police announced Wednesday night that Merlin Lu has been charged with a felony count of a hate crime, alongside felony arson and criminal damage to property.
Additionally, Lu faces multiple misdemeanor counts, including reckless conduct and disorderly conduct, stemming from the June 9 incident.
The Incident and Arrest
The arrest took place on Monday following a multi-agency investigation. The FBI, Illinois State Police, University of Chicago Police, and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force all assisted Chicago police in locating the suspect.
The incident drew widespread public attention after viral videos of the burning cross in the high-profile downtown park spread rapidly across social media platforms.
Suspect Admits To Blazing
In an interview following the incident, Lu admitted to setting the cross on fire, claiming it was intended as a political protest against President Donald Trump. He noted that he had placed a red hat on top of the cross as part of his message.
While acknowledging that his method caused widespread confusion, Lu stated during the interview that he did not regret his actions.
City Leadership Responds
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson strongly condemned the act, emphasizing the deep pain the symbol caused to the community regardless of the suspect’s stated political motives.
“That symbol of hatred is one that we must continue to reject,” Mayor Johnson stated, adding that he expects the consequences of the investigation to match the level of pain inflicted on the city.
