Chicago man faces arson, hate crime charges after cross burning in Grant Park
A man has been charged in connection with a burning cross that was spotted in Grant Park last week.
Merlin Lu, 21, of Chicago, was charged with felony counts of damage to property between $500 and $10,000, arson, and two felony counts of a hate crime. He also received four misdemeanor counts for disorderly conduct, reckless conduct, damage to property less than $500, and cross burning to intimidate.
Police say Lu was identified as the suspect who committed a hate crime by starting a fire that caused damage to city property in the 600 block of South Columbus Drive on June 9.
Police last week released a surveillance image of a suspect who was spotted fleeing the scene of the burning cross.
Lu is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Thursday.
No further information was released.
You may be interested
Two thirds of Gen Z prefer dating someone with a driving licence
new admin - Jul 15, 2026Almost two thirds of Gen Z are more likely to date someone if they have a driving licence. A poll…
These are the biggest misconceptions about inherited debt, according to experts
new admin - Jul 15, 2026If your loved one left behind debt, make sure you know how it should be handled before making payments. Hispanolistic/Getty…
Phoebe Bridgers Plays Surprise Performance of ‘Lost Boys’ on ‘Fallon’
new admin - Jul 15, 2026[ad_1] Singer-songwriter's third album Lost Weekend arrives next month Exactly one month before Phoebe Bridgers releases her new album Lost…
