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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ed White

Cross burning suspect, 21, charged with a hate crime after admitting to starting blaze in Chicago park

Chicago Donald Trump Police
University of Illinois Chicago senior Merlin Liu has said he knew the implications of a burning cross, explaining his motivation was Trump criticism - (Chicago Police Department)

A 21-year-old man who admitted to setting a large cross on fire in a Chicago park has been charged with a hate crime, arson and other offenses, according to police.

Merlin Lu told a TV station this week that he was responsible for the cross burning in Grant Park on June 9. But he claimed that he was protesting President Donald Trump rather than using the cross as a historical symbol of hate and intimidation against Black people.

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