Grant Park cross burning triggers hate-crime charges in Chicago

A 21-year-old Merlin Lu was arrested in Chicago after admitting to lighting a cross in Grant Park, and now faces four felonies (including two hate-crime counts) and four misdemeanors for arson, property damage and intimidating conduct. Prosecutors say Lu carried wooden slats to the park, built the cross and set it aflame, with two felony counts designated as hate crimes. Lu had previously claimed responsibility in a video and told NBC Chicago that the act was a solo protest against Donald Trump, while denying Ku Klux Klan ties. Photos of a person of interest circulated earlier, and Rev. Michael Pfleger offered a $10,000 reward. Lu is scheduled for a detention hearing Thursday.