A large, burning cross was discovered in Grant Park, Chicago, on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an investigation by local authorities into both its origins and the potential motives behind the act. The wooden cross, which was reportedly at least 6 feet tall, was seen engulfed in bright orange flames leaning against a tree in the popular park area near Lake Michigan.

Video footage captured by a motorist showed the flaming cross, leading the Chicago Fire Department to confirm its nature and take action to extinguish the fire. Chicago Police stated that there were no injuries reported related to the incident, but investigations are currently underway regarding both the circumstances of the burning cross and its intended motive.

Keinika Carlton, 43, was driving home from errands with her daughter and mother-in-law when they encountered the burning cross. The image left her with feelings of shock, sadness, disgust, and curiosity. Noting the historical context, Carlton expressed concern, questioning whether the act was racially or religiously motivated. She remarked, “As Black women, of course, our first thought is racial, because burning crosses are known to be used as a tactic, an act of violence toward Black Americans in the South.”

As they slowed down to record the incident, Carlton noticed other vehicles also stopping and pedestrians nearby staring at the burning cross. This collective shock highlighted the profound impact of the sight, especially for her mother-in-law, who had grown up in Kentucky but had never witnessed such a symbol of hate firsthand.

The motive behind this act remains unclear. However, the history of cross burnings in the United States, especially their association with the Ku Klux Klan, casts a long shadow over such incidents. In a 2003 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor highlighted that cross burnings are often viewed as “symbols of hate,” reflecting a particularly virulent form of intimidation when intended to instill fear.

Alyna Carlton, 22, expressed her disbelief at witnessing such an event in her lifetime. She reflected, “It kind of really opened my eyes, had me realize that I’m not that far removed from the past.” This incident serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggles against racism and the symbols that perpetuate such ideologies in modern society.