A 21-year-old college student has admitted to burning a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park as a protest against the Trump administration. The June 9 incident initially drew accusations of racism from Democratic officials before the suspect’s identity emerged.
Merlin Lu, a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, told NBC Chicago he constructed and set fire to the wooden cross, placing a red hat resembling a MAGA cap on top. He said the act was meant to send a message to President Trump and his supporters.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker had earlier linked the burning to unchecked racism and fascism on the political right. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the event as a reminder of ongoing hatred toward Black Americans.
The FBI is investigating whether the arson qualifies as a hate crime. Lu denied making threats against the president, saying he wanted Trump to stand trial.
