Man Indicted on Federal Terrorism Charges After Setting Woman on Fire in Chicago

A man has been indicted on federal terrorism charges related to a shocking incident where he allegedly set a woman on fire on a Chicago train. This marks yet another incident in a troubling trend of violence on public transportation across the U.S.

This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois revealed that 50-year-old Lawrence Reed faces severe charges of committing a terrorist attack or violence against public transportation.

According to an arrest affidavit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Reed approached a 26-year-old woman from behind while she was on the Blue Line L train around 9 p.m. on Monday, pouring gasoline on her.

The affidavit cites surveillance footage showing the woman resisting Reed’s attempts to ignite the gasoline. Despite his efforts, she managed to escape momentarily, running from one end of the train car to the other as Reed pursued her. Eventually, he allegedly lit the gasoline and used it to set her ablaze.

“Reed then ran to the front of the train car and watched as her body was engulfed in flames,” the affidavit details.

Surveillance also showed Reed at a gas station about 20 minutes before the attack, where he filled a bottle with fuel. After the assault, he reportedly exited the train at the next station in downtown Chicago. Authorities later learned that another woman fell while fleeing, suffering serious burns and requiring hospitalization.

On Tuesday morning, Reed was arrested, found with burn marks on his hands and wearing the same clothes seen in surveillance footage from the incident.

While in custody, Reed allegedly made erratic statements, reportedly yelling phrases like “Burn me…” and “Burn me alive.” Investigators recovered a partially melted bottle and a lighter from the scene.

Reed, who has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2017, has faced various charges, including felony aggravated arson linked to another incident in which he allegedly started a fire during a COVID-19 briefing at the Thompson Center.

“If we simply incarcerated repeat offenders, it would undoubtedly improve safety not just in Chicago and New York, but in other cities as well,” suggested former New York City police officer Paul Mauro. He criticized the current approach to crime, linking it to movements that advocate for reduced prison populations.

Reed’s past includes at least 13 arrests for various offenses, ranging from damaging government property to assault. In February 2020, he faced misdemeanor assault charges for an unprovoked attack on a woman, and he was released on bail after a similar incident shortly after.

His recent arrest for setting the woman on fire has raised alarms in the community, as authorities emphasize the need to address repeat offenders. Reed confronted chaos in court, where he interrupted proceedings and claimed “I’m guilty” while asserting he was a Chinese citizen.

Mauro speculated that Reed’s erratic behavior could lead to a defense based on mental illness, but he emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the defendant.

Authorities expressed frustration that Reed was free prior to this incident, especially given his violent history. “Lawrence Reed had no business being on the streets,” said Christopher Amon from the ATF Chicago Field Office.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence but described it as “an isolated incident.” Still, he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, with Reed potentially facing life in prison—and possibly the death penalty—if the victim succumbs to her injuries.

This disturbing incident has rekindled debates about safety on public transportation and the challenges of managing repeat offenders. Mauro added, “Every time you ride public transit, it feels like a game of chance.”