Suspect charged with hate crime after burning cross found in Grant Park due in court

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A man is due in court Thursday on hate crime charges, after a burning cross was found in Grant Park.

Merlin Lu is facing several charges including arson and committing a hate crime.

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The 21-year-old was arrested at his home after a burning wooden cross was found in Grant Park. A passerby captured video of the incident on June 9.

The burning cross is widely considered to be a symbol of racist hatred.

The investigation involved the Chicago Police Major Crimes Division, Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals, and the FBI.

Investigators released a picture of a suspect allegedly leaving the area near Columbus and Balbo.

Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to a suspect.

Lu will fac a judge later Thursday. It's unclear if Lu may eventually face federal charges.