Merlin Lu
Coverage of Merlin Lu in the Nexus archive.
- Man Who Admitted Burning Cross In Grant Park Ordered Released By Judge
A 21-year-old Chicago man, Merlin Lu, was ordered released by a judge after admitting to burning a cross in Grant Park, facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including hate crime and arson. Prosecutors argued the act targeted Christian nationalists, while Lu's defense called it a political protest against President Donald Trump and billionaires, denying it was a hate crime.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man named Merlin Lu was charged with a hate crime and arson after admitting to setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park. Lu claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, not a racially motivated act of hate.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man admitted to setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park and was charged with a hate crime, arson, and other offenses. He claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, not a racially motivated attack. A heart with the word 'resilient' was placed where the burning cross stood.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, was charged with a hate crime and arson after setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park. He claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, denying it was racially motivated.
- Man charged with hate crime over cross burning in Chicago park
Merlin Lu, 21, faces four felony and four misdemeanor charges after admitting to setting fire to a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park on June 9. Police released images of a suspect fleeing the scene and confirmed his arrest.
- Man Charged With Hate Crime, Arson After Grant Park Cross-Burning
A 21-year-old man has been charged with hate crimes, arson, and property damage after burning a cross in Grant Park. He claimed the act was a protest against Trump, not a hate crime. St. Sabina offered a reward for information leading to the arrest.
- Suspect charged with hate crime, arson for burning cross in Grant Park, Chicago police say
Merlin Lu, 21, is facing charges of arson and hate crime for burning a cross in Grant Park, according to Chicago police. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
- Man accused of burning cross in Grant Park faces hate crime, arson charges
A 21-year-old man from Chicago's Near West Side faces hate crime, arson, and property damage charges after burning a cross in Grant Park. Merlin Lu admitted to setting the cross during an NBC5 Chicago interview, though University of Illinois Chicago officials stated he is not currently enrolled there. The FBI, Illinois State Police, and other agencies are investigating.