A 21-year-old man is facing hate crime charges after a burning cross — one of the most recognizable symbols of racial terror against Black Americans — was found set ablaze in Chicago's Grant Park earlier this month.
According to NBC News, Merlin Lu was arrested Monday (June 15) and charged Wednesday (June 17) with two felony hate crime counts, along with felony arson and damage to property charges, and four misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct, reckless conduct, and cross burning to intimidate, Chicago police said. The charges stem from a June 9 incident in which a large wooden cross, topped with a red MAGA-style hat, was found burning on a tree near South Columbus Drive.
The image spread quickly, drawing immediate condemnation. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not soften his response. "That symbol of hatred is one that we must continue to reject, and I wholeheartedly reject it," Johnson said. "I can't speak to anyone's motives. You can only speak to the impact, and the impact was devastating." Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, calling it "this bold rise of racism."
Before police identified him, Lu came forward himself, telling NBC Chicago's Chuck Goudie that he built the cross and set it on fire using lighter fluid and toilet paper to protest President Trump's administration, not to make a statement about race. "I did know about this historical relevance beforehand, but I didn't know the severity, how racially motivated it may seem from what I did," Lu said. "Because my protest has nothing to do with race, nothing to do with gender." He said the idea "came up to my head one day" and that he wanted to act alone, without any organization or friends involved.
Lu maintains he has no ties to the KKK and has apologized to those offended, while insisting his message wasn't intended as a threat against Trump, who he believes should "stand trial in front of the American people." He has not walked back the act itself. "Yeah, probably. I agree. As I've said earlier, I failed in delivering my message, but I believe that right now I'm trying my best to clarify the confusion," he told NBC 5. "And yeah, I don't regret what I did."
Lu told reporters he was a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago. The school disputes that — he hasn't been enrolled there since fall 2025. He was arrested at his residence in the 1400 block of South Halsted by Chicago police and U.S. Marshals, with the FBI, Illinois State Police, and University of Chicago Police assisting in the investigation.
Lu is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (June 18) for a detention hearing. It remains unclear whether federal hate crime charges could also be filed.
Whatever Lu intended, the symbol carries its own meaning. It always has.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.