Chicago police charge a 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, with hate crime and related offenses after a cross was set on fire in Grant Park on June 9. Multiple outlets report that the incident occurred in a highly visible area, with flames seen by people driving or walking along Columbus Drive. Police say Lu is arrested in connection with the burning cross and faces felony hate-crime counts as well as additional criminal charges, including arson, with outlets listing varying combinations of felony and misdemeanor counts. Several reports also state that Lu admits setting the cross on fire and argues he acted to protest the Trump administration rather than to express racism. The New York Times and other outlets describe his claim that he intended the act as political protest and not as intimidation toward Black people. Police released images related to the suspect’s flight from the scene, which reportedly contributed to his identification and arrest. The case is pending as prosecutors pursue the hate-crime allegations based on police characterization of the conduct.