A 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, has been charged with a hate crime, arson, and other offenses after a cross was burned in Grant Park in Chicago on June 9.

Police said he admitted responsibility but claimed the act was meant as a protest against President Donald Trump and the “ruling class,” not a racially motivated symbol.

Authorities allege the burning cross was used in a way that could intimidate others, leading to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Lu told reporters he did not fully understand the historical significance of cross burnings but apologized for the impact, ABC News has reported.

He is awaiting a detention hearing as the case moves forward.