Pritzker denounces Grant Park cross burning at Rainbow PUSH

Pritzker denounces – Gov. J.B. Pritzker condemned a cross burning in Chicago’s Grant Park, calling it a sign of hatred enabled by far-right leaders. Police responded Tuesday afternoon to reports of an “object” on fire; a shirtless suspect fled, and a $10,000 reward is being offere

A burning wooden cross in Grant Park lasted long enough to be captured on video—and long enough to reach Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s public fight for hope and justice.

Speaking Thursday afternoon at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s annual conference. Pritzker said the cross burning this week in Grant Park was a warning about how hatred can spread when it’s allowed to grow. “The fact that it even occurred at all speaks to what happens when the seeds of racism and fascism grow unchecked in our country. ” Pritzker said. He added, “The threats are real. And in times like these. it’s easy to fall prey to despair. to think that the fight for justice is just too costly to engage in. that the mountain is too high to climb and the path is too narrow to navigate.”.

Cross burnings have historically been tied to white supremacy and, specifically, the Ku Klux Klan.

Pritzker then returned to a phrase made famous by the late Rainbow PUSH founder, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, using it to reject the message behind the burning. “But here in Chicago. here in the great state of Illinois and the land of Lincoln. we were raised on the words and actions of a leader who left us with enough inspiration for more than just his generation. more than just one lifetime. ‘Keep hope alive,’ he said,” Pritzker said, quoting Jackson’s line in his 1998 Democratic National Convention speech.

The incident itself drew attention after police and firefighters responded to reports of an “object” on fire. Police said officers and firefighters responded to the 600 block of South Columbus Drive around 2:30 p.m. after reports came in of an “object” on fire before the fire was put out by firefighters.

Video posted on social media showed a wooden cross burning as it leaned against a tree, flames spreading onto the bark of the tree trunk while someone ran away in the background.

The cross burning was reported around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of South Columbus Drive. Police said a shirtless male was seen fleeing the park. They described the arson suspect as a male wearing dark pants, white shoes and carrying a backpack.

Pritzker said he would not let the state stand aside. “Our state government won’t stand for” the cross burning, and he said he has “deployed the necessary resources” to find the person responsible for the burning.

Police are also working the case with a direct incentive for help from the public. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Rainbow PUSH condemned the act in a statement that called the burning cross “disturbing and deeply offensive.” The organization said. “To witness such a symbol in the heart of Chicago is a gut-wrenching reminder that the forces of hatred and racial intimidation remain present in our society. ” adding. “We refuse to allow this act to terrorize our communities or silence our pursuit of justice.”.

Mayor Brandon Johnson also condemned the burning earlier this week. In his statement, Johnson said, “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,” the mayor said.

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