A large burning cross — a historic symbol of hate and intimidation against Black Americans — was discovered Tuesday afternoon in Chicago’s Grant Park, the park where former President Barack Obama famously delivered his acceptance speech after being elected the nation’s first Black president.
The act sent shock waves through a city where more than one in four people are Black, according to the Associated Press. People drove or walked by, staring, and a video of the cross-burning gained traction online, the AP reported.
The video, taken by a motorist, shows the wooden cross engulfed in bright orange flames as it leans against a tree in Grant Park, located in the core of the city’s downtown and near Lake Michigan.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said he was “deeply disturbed” by the images.
“Hate has no place in our city. Every Chicagoan deserves to feel safe, protected, and respected while going about their day or enjoying our public spaces,” Johnson, who is Black, said in a post on X Wednesday. “We will continue working across city government to uphold that standard and ensure Chicago remains a welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for all.”
The Chicago Police Department said it is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.