A large, burning cross was discovered in Grant Park, Chicago, on Tuesday afternoon. The Chicago Fire Department confirmed the flaming object was a cross and put out the fire. Police said they are investigating the motive and circumstances around the incident.

Keinika Carlton, 43, was driving home with her daughter and mother-in-law when they saw the cross on fire. She felt a combination of shock, sadness, and disgust, and wondered if it was a racial or religious incident. Carlton estimated the cross was at least 6 feet tall.

Investigation Ongoing

The motive behind the burning cross was not immediately clear. However, cross burnings in the U.S. have historically been seen as symbols of hate and intimidation, particularly against Black Americans. A 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision written by the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor ruled that the First Amendment allows bans on cross burnings only when they are intended to intimidate.

Alyna Carlton, 22, said she never thought she would see something like that in her lifetime. The experience opened her eyes to the reality that she is not far removed from the past.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.