CHICAGO – In a shocking case that has raised serious questions about criminal justice oversight, a 50-year-old Chicago man has been charged with federal terrorism offenses after allegedly setting a woman on fire in an unprovoked attack aboard a Blue Line train. Lawrence Reed, who has an extensive criminal history—including a prior arson conviction—was arrested following the November 17 incident near the Clark/Lake station, which was captured on surveillance video.
The victim, a 26-year-old woman whose identity has not been released, suffered severe third-degree burns to her face, scalp, and torso. She remains in critical condition at a local hospital, where medical teams are working to stabilize her amid significant injuries. Authorities described the attack as random and senseless, with no apparent motive or prior connection between Reed and the victim.
Federal prosecutors have filed rare terrorism charges against Reed, citing the deliberate use of fire as a weapon in a public transit setting—an act they argue was intended to instill fear and terrorize the community. “This was not just an assault; it was an act designed to create widespread panic on one of Chicago’s busiest transit lines,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement released yesterday.
Reed’s background has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of the attack. Court records show he has been involved in 53 prior cases, including a 2020 arson conviction that resulted in a prison sentence. Despite this history, Reed was released earlier this year on an ankle monitor as part of a pretrial supervision program. Officials confirmed he had violated the terms of his release multiple times—including recent allegations of violent behavior—yet remained free in the community.
Law enforcement sources told reporters that Reed’s extensive record and pattern of noncompliance should have flagged him as a high-risk individual, potentially preventing the tragedy. “This attack was foreseeable and preventable given his history,” one law enforcement official said, pointing to systemic failures in monitoring repeat offenders. The Chicago Police Department and the FBI are conducting a joint investigation, and there are growing calls for a review of pretrial release policies in Cook County.
The incident has sparked outrage among Chicago residents and transit users, many of whom are demanding enhanced security measures on the city’s public transportation system. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced increased patrols on the Blue Line and plans to install additional surveillance cameras at key stations. Advocacy groups for victims of violent crime have also urged lawmakers to address gaps in the justice system that allow dangerous individuals to remain at large.
Reed is currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago. If convicted on the federal terrorism charges, he could face life imprisonment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week, where prosecutors are expected to present video evidence and witness testimony.
This story is developing, and updates are expected as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the FBI’s Chicago field office.
Life 25.