St. Sabina Church Offers $10,000 Reward After Burning Cross Found in Chicago Park
Updated
Updated · Block Club Chicago · Jun 9
St. Sabina Church Offers $10,000 Reward After Burning Cross Found in Chicago Park
3 articles · Updated · Block Club Chicago · Jun 9
Summary
$10,000 is being offered by St. Sabina Church for information leading to an arrest after a burning cross was found Tuesday in Grant Park.
2:27 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters extinguished the blaze near South Columbus and East Balbo drives; no one was hurt, and police said the motive and circumstances remain under investigation.
A witness said she saw what looked like a controlled burn and a man with a dark backpack walking away as the fire spread to a nearby tree.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rev. Michael Pfleger and several Black Caucus aldermen condemned the incident and said it should be investigated as a hate crime.
The cross burning came ahead of Juneteenth and renewed scrutiny of Chicago's response to hate crimes, which rose during the pandemic and peaked in 2023.
Why is a hate symbol from a past era reappearing in a modern, diverse city like Chicago?
As security funding for institutions grows, how can communities prevent hate acts in open public spaces?
If social media platforms fail to remove hate content, what new strategies can counter real-world radicalization?
Chicago’s Grant Park Burning Cross: Community Outrage and Urgent Calls for Action in 2026
Overview
On June 9, 2026, a burning cross was found propped against a tree in Chicago's Grant Park, immediately sparking outrage and concern throughout the city. Eyewitnesses, including Alyna Carlton and Keinika Carlton, described the fire as eerily controlled and believed it was an intentional act of hate. The incident deeply shocked residents and city officials, highlighting the ongoing threat of hate crimes in Chicago. Community leaders condemned the act, urging vigilance and a unified response. This event, occurring just before Juneteenth celebrations, underscored the need for stronger prevention strategies and support for targeted communities.