Man charged with hate crime over cross burning in Chicago park
Summary
A 21-year-old man named Merlin Lu was arrested in Chicago for setting fire to a cross in Grant Park and is charged with hate crimes and other offenses. Lu said his act was a protest and not racially motivated, but police charged him with hate crimes, arson, and other violations.Key Facts
- Merlin Lu, 21, admitted to burning a cross in Grant Park, Chicago, on June 9.
- He faces four felony charges, including two hate crimes, arson, and damaging city property.
- He also faces four misdemeanor charges related to breach of peace, reckless conduct, property damage, and intimidating cross burning.
- Lu said he placed a red hat on the cross to protest President Donald Trump.
- Lu built the cross by carrying wooden pieces from his apartment and used lighter fluid and toilet paper to start the fire.
- He said he did not intend the act to be racist and apologized for offending people.
- Police arrested Lu after releasing photos of a person of interest seen near the scene.
- Lu is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday.
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