On a recent Monday night in Chicago, an alarming incident occurred aboard a Blue Line train when Lawrence Reed, aged 50, allegedly committed a terrorist attack by setting a 26-year-old woman ablaze. Federal prosecutors have taken charge of the case, stating that Reed doused the woman with a flammable liquid and ignited it as she attempted to flee from him. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing scene, showing Reed standing over the victim while she was on fire before he walked away.
The attack reportedly began soon after Reed purchased gasoline at a West Side gas station, 20 minutes prior. The victim managed to exit the train at the Clark/Lake platform, where quick-acting bystanders assisted in extinguishing the flames. She is currently hospitalized in critical condition with severe burns.
Reed's arrest came the following morning in the Loop area by Chicago police and he was subsequently handed over to federal authorities. During his apprehension, he made spontaneous and incendiary statements, which included yelling phrases such as “Burn b****!” and “Burn alive b****!”, according to reports from Townhall.
The federal complaint emphasizes the premeditated nature of the attack, highlighting that Reed boarded the train with a container of gasoline and the intent to cause harm. He is now charged with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system, an offense that carries a potential life sentence.
Court documents reveal Reed's extensive criminal history, which includes 49 previous arrests and 10 felony convictions. Notably, five years ago, he attempted to start a fire at the Thompson Center following a dispute over Social Security payments. Instead of imprisonment, he was sentenced to two years of mental health probation. This period was marred by further arrests, including dropped battery charges.
In August, Reed was accused of assaulting a psychiatric social worker, causing significant injuries. Despite these charges, a judge permitted him to remain at liberty under electronic monitoring with restrictions on his movement.
Officials have expressed their dismay over Reed’s liberty given his violent past. ATF Special Agent Christopher Amon stated, “Lawrence Reed had no business being on the streets given that violent criminal history and his pending criminal cases." U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros described the attack as “barbaric” and lauded the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement in pursuing justice.
During his initial appearance in federal court, Reed displayed erratic behavior, insisting on representing himself and making unverified claims of Chinese citizenship. He also prematurely and repeatedly pleaded guilty, interrupting the judge's advisement of his rights.
This incident has brought to the forefront the broader issue of repeat offenders in Chicago and the safety of public transportation. It draws comparisons to the Charlotte, North Carolina case where Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a commuter train by Decarlos Brown Jr., who also had a prior criminal record. The events have intensified the debate over the handling of individuals with extensive criminal histories and their access to public spaces.
