Chicago Man Arrested for Burning Cross in Grant Park

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including hate crimes, for setting fire to a wooden cross in Grant Park, Chicago. Merlin Lu faces four felony and four misdemeanor charges stemming from the incident that occurred on June 9, 2026.

Police released images of a suspect fleeing the scene, which led to Lu's identification and subsequent arrest. The cross burning, a symbol historically associated with racism and white supremacy, drew condemnation from community leaders, including Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, who offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrator.

Lu admitted to constructing the cross and igniting it using toilet paper and lighter fluid, claiming it was a form of protest unrelated to race or gender. He stated that he was unaware of the historical implications of his actions, although he acknowledged knowing about the cross's significance beforehand.

He is charged with two felony counts of hate crime, along with charges related to arson and damaging city property. The misdemeanor charges include breach of peace and reckless conduct. Lu is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday.