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Chicago Man Charged with Hate-Crime Arson After Cross Burning

6/19/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Police charged 21-year-old Merlin Lu with hate-crime felonies and arson after he burned a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park on June 9, 2026.
Lu said he added a “Make America Great Again” hat to protest U.S. President Donald Trump and denied racial motive.
Mayor Brandon Johnson called the burning a reminder of anti-Black hatred, demanded consequences, and noted a $10,000 reward from St. Sabina Church as FBI and Illinois State Police investigated.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964 after a 73-to-27 Senate vote, outlawed discrimination and gave the federal government enforcement tools. Decades later, Chicago police charged Merlin Lu with a cross-burning hate crime in June 2026, prompting Mayor Brandon Johnson, the FBI and Illinois State Police to invoke that federal legacy to demand accountability.

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Story summary

Police charged 21-year-old Merlin Lu with hate-crime felonies and arson after he burned a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park on June 9, 2026.
Lu said he added a “Make America Great Again” hat to protest U.S. President Donald Trump and denied racial motive.
Mayor Brandon Johnson called the burning a reminder of anti-Black hatred, demanded consequences, and noted a $10,000 reward from St. Sabina Church as FBI and Illinois State Police investigated.

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