Federally Charged for Alleged Train Fire Attack, Suspect Faces Life Sentence
Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man with a long criminal history, has been federally charged for allegedly setting a woman on fire on a Chicago Blue Line train, shouting profanities as she was engulfed in flames. The attack, which occurred on Monday, is being investigated as a potential terrorist act, with Reed accused of using gasoline and a lighter to ignite the woman. The victim suffered severe burns to her face and body and remains in critical condition, with authorities emphasizing the lack of assistance during the incident. Reed has a history of violent incidents, including arson and physical assaults, and was recently released from custody after being accused of a similar attack in August. His defense in court was dismissive, and federal prosecutors are seeking a strict sentence given his extensive criminal record.
Details of the Attack and Victim’s Condition
According to federal prosecutors, Reed intentionally used gasoline and a lighter to set a woman on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train at about 9:30 p.m. Monday. The victim, who was minding her own business and reading her phone while seated in the middle of the train car, was approached by Reed, who doused her head and body with gasoline and attempted to ignite the liquid. The woman ran to the back of the car, as he ignited the rest of the liquid in the bottle and then used it to light her on fire. Footage allegedly showed Reed watching the woman, engulfed in flames, as she tried to put out the fire by rolling on the floor. When the train stopped at Clark and Lake, the victim, who was still on fire, managed to exit before collapsing on the platform. Two Samaritans came and put out the blaze that was all consuming her, according to U.S. District Attorney Andrew Boutros.
Reed’s Criminal History and Arrest
Reed has a lengthy criminal history, including a charge of felony aggravated arson from April 2020, after he allegedly started a fire at the Thompson Center, where Gov. JB Pritzker was holding a daily COVID-19 briefing. He also faced misdemeanor battery charges for punching multiple women in the face, seemingly at random, and slapping a 42-year-old man in the face at the Halsted CTA Blue Line platform. In August, Reed was charged with aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a woman at a psychiatric hospital and was released with an ankle monitor despite prosecutors’ requests to keep him detained. Chicago Police Department records indicate Reed was arrested on at least 13 occasions by their agency alone since 2017, with charges including various violent offenses.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
During Reed’s first appearance in federal court on Wednesday, he allegedly shouted,