nd set it on fire.

Court records state the flames spread to the upper branches of a nearby tree before Lu fled the scene shirtless and carrying a backpack.

Lu later told police he believed  the greatest threat to the American people are Trump, Epstein, their billionaire pedophile friends and the MAGA Christian nationalist base,  according to court records.

Investigators recovered a hammer, box of nails, lighter, cigarette butt and kerosene bottle cap near the burned cross and tree, court records said.

Lu's attorney argued the incident was a political protest rather than a hate crime, saying no one was injured and there was no intent to harm anyone.

During a detention hearing, Cook County Judge D'Anthony Thedford found prosecutors met their burden of showing Lu posed a threat to the community but failed to present clear and convincing evidence to support a hate crime allegation. Thedford also reprimanded Lu, saying the fire created a potential danger to visitors, children, and animals in the park.

The day after the fire, police released a photo of a man they said was seen leaving the area and asked the public for help identifying him.

Police announced Tuesday that a person of interest had been taken into custody in connection with the investigation.

What's next:

Lu appeared in court Thursday and was released pending trial without electronic monitoring or other restrictions.

The judge ruled Lu is not a flight risk because he has no prior criminal history, despite finding that he poses a threat to the community.

Lu's parents were present in court but declined to comment on the charges against their son.

Damage to the tree is estimated at about $1,800, according to court records.

Lu is scheduled to return to court at 9 a.m. June 22.