▲ A burning cross discovered at a Chicago park on June 9 (local time). Police have arrested and detained the suspect, 21-year-old Merlin Lu, on charges including hate crime.
A man in his 20s has been charged with a hate crime after setting fire to a large wooden cross in a downtown Chicago park.
Although the man claimed it was a political protest with no discriminatory intent, authorities made their decision based on the historical context of cross burning.
The Chicago Police Department announced on June 17 (local time) that Merlin Lu, 21, a student at the University of Illinois Chicago, has been charged with four felonies, including a hate crime and criminal damage to property, as well as four misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct.
Lu is accused of setting fire to a homemade wooden cross at Grant Park in downtown Chicago on June 9.
Following the incident, police released photos from the scene and began tracking the suspect, while concerns were raised locally regarding the possibility of a hate crime.
In the United States, cross burning is not considered a simple act of arson; it is recognized as a symbol historically used by the white supremacist group Ku Klux Klan (KKK) to threaten Black communities.
The incident caused significant shock in the local community, particularly because Grant Park is the historic site where former President Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, delivered his victory speech.
Before his arrest, Lu admitted to burning the cross in an interview with NBC, but claimed he had no intention of racial or religious discrimination.
He stated that it was a political protest against former President Donald Trump, his "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) supporters, and Christian nationalism, adding that he had placed a red MAGA hat on the cross before setting it ablaze.
He also apologized, claiming he had no connection to the KKK and was unaware of the historical gravity of his actions.
However, U.S. authorities maintained the charges regardless of the suspect's subjective claims.
In the U.S. judicial system, a hate crime is subject to sentencing enhancements that significantly increase penalties.
It is distinguished from ordinary crimes in that the motive for the offense is based on hatred and discrimination against a victim's specific identity, such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.