Man charged with hate crime over cross burning in Chicago park
Merlin Lu faces felony and misdemeanor charges after police released images of a suspect fleeing the scene
TL;DR
- Merlin Lu, 21, arrested and charged with hate crime offenses for burning a cross in Grant Park, Chicago.
- Lu claims the protest was against Donald Trump and not motivated by race or gender.
- The cross burning incident is historically associated with racism, white supremacy, and the Ku Klux Klan.
- Lu faces four felony charges, including hate crime and arson, and four misdemeanor charges.
- A $10,000 reward was offered for information leading to the perpetrator's arrest.
- Lu stated he acted alone and acknowledged the potential racial perception of his actions.