Chicago Blue Line attack: suspect charged with terrorism after woman set on fire
Lawrence Reed was federally charged with terrorism after prosecutors say he bought gasoline about 20 minutes before allegedly dousing a woman with an accelerant and setting her ablaze aboard a CTA Blue Line train around 9:30 p.m.; the victim, who suffered severe burns and remains in critical condition, exited at Clark and Lake and collapsed on the platform where two bystanders extinguished the flames, and investigators recovered a partially melted bottle, lighter and clear liquid. A federal judge, Laura McNally, ordered Reed detained pending trial, with prosecutors calling him too dangerous given a criminal history spanning about 72 arrests over 30 years and roughly 15 convictions (including eight felonies) and a pending aggravated battery charge; Reed was arrested the next morning with burns on his hand and has repeatedly shouted while in custody and said he intends to represent himself.
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📌 Key Facts
- Prosecutors say Lawrence Reed bought gasoline about 20 minutes before the attack, filled a small container, and was seen on train surveillance footage holding a flaming bottle; investigators recovered a partially melted bottle, a lighter, clear liquid and burned clothing remnants at the victim’s seat.
- The attack occurred on the CTA Blue Line around 9:30 p.m. Monday; the woman exited the train still on fire at Clark & Lake, collapsed on the platform and remains in critical condition with severe burns after two Samaritans extinguished the flames.
- Reed was arrested Tuesday morning wearing the same clothes seen on video and had burns on his right hand; during transport he allegedly shouted threats including “burn b—-” and “burn alive b—-.”
- At a Wednesday appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally, Reed repeatedly shouted “I plead guilty” and, when told the maximum penalty is life in prison, responded, “It’s cool.”
- A federal judge ordered Reed detained pending trial after prosecutors filed a detention memo arguing he is “too dangerous for pre-trial release” and citing his extensive criminal history.
- The government says Reed has at least 72 arrests over 30 years and about 15 convictions, including eight felonies such as arson, criminal damage to government-supported property, drug trafficking/possession and a felony traffic offense.
- At the time of the alleged train attack, Reed was already facing a pending aggravated battery charge in Cook County stemming from an incident at MacNeal Hospital.
- Reed told the court he intends to represent himself in the federal case.
📰 Sources (3)
Chicago train attack suspect ordered by judge to remain in custody ahead of trial
New information:
- A federal judge, Laura McNally, ordered Lawrence Reed detained pending trial.
- Prosecutors argued in a detention memo that Reed is "too dangerous for pre-trial release" and cited his extensive criminal history.
- Reed told the court he intends to represent himself.
- The government detailed Reed’s record: at least 72 arrests over 30 years and about 15 convictions, including eight felonies (arson, criminal damage to government-supported property, drug trafficking/possession, and a felony traffic offense).
- At the time of the alleged train attack, Reed was already facing a pending aggravated battery charge in Cook County for an incident at MacNeal Hospital.
Blue city suspect with numerous prior arrests federally charged after allegedly setting woman ablaze on train
New information:
- Surveillance and gas‑station evidence: prosecutors say Reed bought gasoline about 20 minutes before the attack, filling a small container, and was seen on train footage holding a flaming bottle.
- Detailed timeline and location: attack around 9:30 p.m. Monday on CTA Blue Line; victim exited still on fire at Clark & Lake and collapsed on the platform.
- Victim status and bystander response: woman suffered severe burns and remains in critical condition; two Samaritans extinguished the flames on the platform after she collapsed.
- Items recovered: investigators found a partially melted bottle, lighter, and clear liquid at the victim’s seat, along with burned clothing remnants.
- Arrest details: Reed was arrested Tuesday morning wearing the same clothes and had burns on his right hand; during transport he allegedly shouted “burn b—-” and “burn alive b—-.”
- Courtroom conduct and potential penalty: at his Wednesday appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally, Reed shouted “I plead guilty” repeatedly; when told the maximum is life in prison, he responded, “It’s cool.”