UIC Student Burns Cross in Anti-MAGA Protest

Updated June 17, 2026: This article has been revised for clarity and to better separate facts from analysis.

Chicago, IL — June 16, 2026

A 21-year-old former University of Illinois Chicago student has admitted to building and burning a wooden cross in Grant Park on June 9, 2026, then placing a red MAGA hat on top.

Merlin Lu, of Naperville, told NBC 5 Chicago’s Chuck Goudie that he carried wooden slats from his apartment to the park, doused the cross in lighter fluid, and ignited it around 2:38 p.m. near South Columbus Drive and East Balbo Drive. He described the act as a political protest against the Trump administration, “MAGA Christian nationalists,” and the “ruling class,” citing issues such as health care and transportation costs.

Lu acknowledged that burning crosses are historically linked to the Ku Klux Klan and racial intimidation, but said his protest “had nothing to do with race.” He stated he placed the MAGA hat on the cross to signify his message. When asked if another form of protest might have been better, he replied, “Yeah, probably.”

Chicago police took Lu into custody as a person of interest in an arson investigation. The FBI is also reviewing the case. As of June 16, no charges had been filed. The University of Illinois Chicago confirmed that Lu is no longer enrolled following the fall 2025 semester.

Initial Reactions

Mayor Brandon Johnson and CAIR-Chicago condemned the burning cross as a symbol reminiscent of racial terror. Grant Park is historically significant, notably as the site of Barack Obama’s 2008 election-night address.

WecuMedia Perspective 

Symbols carry heavy historical weight. A burning cross is widely recognized as a threat, regardless of the perpetrator’s stated intent. While Lu claims the act was purely political and not racial, the choice of symbol raises legitimate questions about judgment and public safety.

This case also tests consistency. If the situation were reversed — a conservative protester using inflammatory symbolism against a left-wing target — many of the same voices would likely demand harsher treatment and quicker charges. True equality under the law and in media coverage means applying the same standards no matter which political side is involved.

Free speech protects a wide range of expression, but burning objects in a public park crosses into potential arson territory. Authorities should pursue this case based on the law and evidence, not politics.