By Hollie SilvermanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA 26-year-old woman critically injured in a violent attack on Chicago’s Blue Line train has been identified as Bethany MaGee, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X Sunday.
The 50-year-old suspect, Lawrence Reed, has been charged with federal terrorism after he allegedly doused MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire in an attack described by officials as “barbaric” and premeditated. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted.
Duffy noted that Reed had 72 prior arrests and wrote on X: "This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets. Chicago’s carelessness is putting the American people at risk. No one should ever have to fear for their life on the subway."
Why It Matters
The attack has sparked national attention, intensifying debate on public safety and criminal justice reforms in Chicago—a city frequently spotlighted in political discussions around violent crime.
The incident follows the Trump administration’s controversial deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and ongoing federal crackdowns on crime and immigration.
Safety on public transit systems nationwide has become a pressing concern after a series of high-profile attacks reported over the past year, including the stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.
...What To Know
Surveillance video and court records show that on November 17 the suspect boarded a Blue Line train near Chicago's Clark/Lake station shortly before 9:30 p.m. carrying a bottle reportedly filled with gasoline, which was then poured over MaGee as she was seated with her back toward Reed.
When MaGee tried to escape, the suspect chased her, ignited the liquid, and set her on fire. The suspect moved to the front of the car standing as MaGee was engulfed in flames. The train stopped at the Clark and Lake Street station where the 26-year-old exited and collapsed on the platform.
Good Samaritans rushed to help her while the suspect fled the scene. Emergency medical personnel found MaGee with severe burns to her face and body and she remains in critical condition at Stroger Hospital's burn unit, CBS Chicago reported.
Authorities apprehended Reed on Tuesday, finding him in the same clothing seen in surveillance footage and with burns on his hands. He was then charged the following day with a federal terrorism offense for violence against a mass transportation system.
During his initial court appearance, the suspect shouted over the judge, declared himself a Chinese citizen, and repeatedly yelled, "I plead guilty!" according to local reports. The court ordered a mental health evaluation after he declined legal counsel.
Reed’s criminal record includes nearly 50 prior arrests since 2017, with past convictions for arson, aggravated battery, and assault, CBS Chicago reported.
At the time of the attack, the suspect was on electronic monitoring for an unrelated aggravated battery case.
CBS News reported that Reed is also suspected of lighting a fire outside Chicago's City Hall last week and in 2019, he pleaded guilty to breaking windows on a CTA Blue Line train at O'Hare International Airport.
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What People Are Saying
ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Chris Amon said Friday during a press conference: "Lawrence Reed had no business being on the streets, given his violent criminal history and his pending criminal cases. Reed had plenty of second chances by the criminal justice system, and as a result, you have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life. Because of the swift action of CPD, ATF, and our law enforcement partners, there will be no more chances for Mr. Reed."
CPD Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said last week: “This level of violence is extremely rare on our transit system, and we intend to bring the offender into custody as quickly as possible.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said on Tuesday: “This was a senseless act of violence, and we will use every resource necessary to find the individual responsible. Chicagoans deserve to feel safe—on our streets, in our neighborhoods and on our transit system
The victim’s family said in a public statement on Thursday, according to a report from CBS Chicago: “We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for injuries sustained earlier this week. We are also grateful for the excellent care and support of the burn team at Stroger Hospital. We will not be providing updates at this time, and ask for her—and our—privacy as we focus our attention on her and her recovery.”
What Happens Next?
Reed remains in federal custody. Prosecutors may present further evidence regarding his criminal record and mental health status.
Authorities are reviewing CTA security policies and Illinois is considering expedited funding for mental health services.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing and further charges may be issued contingent upon MaGee's medical condition and additional evidence.
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