Lawrence Reed, 50, has been federally charged with terrorism-related offenses after allegedly setting a woman on fire aboard a Chicago Blue Line train and yelling profanities as she was engulfed in flames. According to the criminal complaint, Reed used gasoline and a lighter to ignite the victim, who was reportedly reading her phone at the time. The attack, described by federal prosecutors as a ‘terrorist act,’ has raised alarm about the increasing frequency of violent crimes on public transportation systems in major urban areas.
U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew Boutros, provided a detailed account of the incident, emphasizing that the victim was ‘minding her own business’ when Reed approached her from the back of the train car. The victim, who sustained severe burns to her face and body, was found still on fire after the train arrived at Clark and Lake. According to the complaint, she managed to exit the train before collapsing on the platform, where two bystanders helped put out the fire. The victim is currently in critical condition in the hospital.
Footage captured at the scene shows Reed watching the victim as she struggled against the flames, with no one intervening. The video, which has been widely shared, depicts the victim attempting to extinguish the fire by rolling on the floor before she was rescued by bystanders. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for improved public safety on transportation systems. According to authorities, Reed allegedly exited the train after setting the woman on fire and walked away, later being arrested the following day.
Investigation into Reed’s past revealed a long history of violent offenses, including a felony charge of aggravated arson in 2020 when he allegedly started a fire at the Thompson Center where former Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was holding a press briefing. Additionally, he has been involved in multiple incidents of battery, including punching multiple women in the face and slapping a 42-year-old man on the face at the Halsted CTA Blue Line platform. Despite these prior charges, Reed was released on an ankle monitor following an August assault charge, which authorities said he should not have been allowed to roam freely.
During his first court appearance, Reed reportedly admitted guilt, stating, ‘I plead guilty, I plead guilty, I plead guilty.’ While U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally suggested a mental and medical evaluation, prosecutors noted that Reed had not been declared mentally incompetent in relation to any of his previous charges. ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Amon commented on Reed’s ‘violent’ criminal history, calling for stronger measures to prevent such individuals from being on the streets.
The incident has also sparked debate over the effectiveness of current bail and release procedures for individuals with a history of violent crimes. Chicago Police Department records indicate that Reed was arrested on at least 13 occasions since 2017, raising questions about the justice system’s ability to prevent repeat offenses. As investigators continue to gather evidence, the case highlights the need for increased public safety measures and stricter enforcement of bail conditions for repeat offenders.