Chicago police investigate burning cross in Grant Park

A large burning cross was discovered in Chicago's Grant Park on Tuesday afternoon, sparking a police investigation and widespread condemnation from city officials and community leaders. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive, was captured on video by passersby and quickly circulated online.

The Chicago Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported, though the tree trunk the cross was leaning against was scorched. Chicago police are investigating the incident as arson and have released an image of a person seen fleeing the area, whom they describe as a person of interest. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the investigation, stating it takes all potential bias-motivated incidents seriously.

The act sent shockwaves through the city, with many noting the profound historical symbolism of a burning cross as a tool of intimidation and hate used against Black Americans, notably by the Ku Klux Klan. The location added another layer of significance, as Grant Park is where former President Barack Obama delivered his 2008 election night victory speech.