A Person Is in Custody in a Chicago Cross Burning Investigation, Police Say
Police say the investigation involves arson and a possible hate crime, and a local church has offered a $10,000 reward for information.
- On Tuesday, Chicago police confirmed a person of interest is in custody regarding the June 9 cross-burning in Grant Park, though authorities have not filed formal charges.
- University of Illinois Chicago senior Merlin Lu admitted to NBC 5 he set the fire, claiming the act was a protest against Trump and MAGA supporters rather than a hate crime.
- Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church condemned the incident as a 'decades-old symbol of hate,' with the church offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
- Although Lu identified himself to media, Chicago police have not officially confirmed he is the person in custody, citing department protocols that restrict releasing suspect names until charges are filed.
- The Anti-Defamation League classifies burning crosses as among the 'most potent hate symbols,' citing historical use by the Ku Klux Klan for racial intimidation, while the Luv Institute reinstalled the 'Resilient' art piece in Grant Park as a counter-narrative.
78 Articles
78 Articles
Trump-Hating Asian Student From U. Illinois Planted Burning Cross in Chicago Park
"During an interview with Chuck Goudie, Lu shared that he had little knowledge of the Klan." The post Trump-Hating Asian Student From U. Illinois Planted Burning Cross in Chicago Park first appeared on Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion.
Chicago cross-burning feared to be hateful racist threat turns out to be idiotic anti-Trump protest: ‘Saw the Wikipedia page’
Merlin Lu, 21, admitted to a Chicago news station that he was the suspect behind the cross-burning -- but that he didn't know how hateful the symbol was.
Cross-Burning Incident Exposed As Anti-Trump Hoax By Asian Protester
The recent incident of a burning cross in Chicago has sparked outrage and fiery discussions about race and media narratives. Initially, this act was presumed to be the work of a white supremacist. Local leaders quickly condemned it, linking the act to a larger discussion on racism in America. Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church passionately stated, “Racism has always been a part of America’s DNA, and this week it has raised its head boldly…
Naperville man tells NBC 5 he burned cross in Grant Park, says he was unaware of racial implications
Chicago police announced Tuesday that a person of interest was taken into custody in a cross-burning in Grant Park last week — an incident that alarmed officials, faith leaders and the community. A Naperville man told NBC 5 he set the cross ablaze.
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