A University of Illinois Chicago student has been arrested after authorities say he admitted responsibility for burning a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park earlier this week, an incident that prompted an FBI investigation and widespread public backlash.
The suspect was identified as an Asian man named Merlin Lu.
In an interview with NBC Chicago, he said he acted alone and described the burning cross as a political statement tied to criticism of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
He also acknowledged understanding the historical meaning of the symbol, which has long been associated with racial intimidation and white supremacist groups, but said he did not fully anticipate the level of public backlash it would generate.
Authorities have not announced any charges, and officials said the case remains active as investigators continue reviewing video evidence, witness statements, and physical materials from the scene.
The incident occurred on June 9 when Chicago fire crews and police responded to Grant Park near Columbus and Balbo drives after reports of a fire in one of the city’s most heavily visited public spaces.
Firefighters extinguished the flames shortly after arriving.
According to ABC7 Chicago, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, though the display quickly drew widespread attention due to both its location and symbolic implications.
Following the response, Chicago police released images of a person of interest seen leaving the area around the time the fire was reported.
Investigators said surveillance footage from nearby cameras is being analyzed as part of a broader arson investigation now being conducted alongside federal authorities.
The FBI confirmed it is assisting in the case and said it treats potential bias-related incidents seriously while supporting local law enforcement in evidence review.
City leaders and community organizations condemned the incident shortly after images circulated publicly.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) called the display “deeply disturbing” and said hate has no place in the city, emphasizing that public spaces must remain safe, inclusive, and respectful for all residents, according to The Chicago Tribune.
Religious leaders also responded strongly.
In an interview, Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, describing the act as deliberate and highlighting the historical use of cross burnings as symbols of racial intimidation and terror linked to the Ku Klux Klan, according to The Gateway Pundit.
Additional criticism came from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which said the incident undermines community trust and reinforces historical trauma.
Cardinal Blase Cupich also condemned the act, calling it a reminder that symbols of racial hatred remain present in modern society and urging unity and continued dialogue in response.
Some critics and commentators have called for the incident to be prosecuted as a hate crime, arguing that the symbolism of the act warrants enhanced charges due to the historical association of cross burnings with racial intimidation.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with officials continuing to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to establish a complete timeline of events.
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