A Chicago Blue Line train became the scene of a horrific attack Monday night, as a woman was deliberately set ablaze by a man who then allegedly shouted hateful obscenities. The victim, engrossed in her phone, was targeted without provocation in the middle of a crowded train car.
Lawrence Reed, 50, now faces federal charges, accused of a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system. Prosecutors allege he approached the woman from behind, doused her in gasoline, and ignited the flammable liquid, turning a routine commute into a terrifying ordeal.
The woman, engulfed in flames, desperately rolled on the train floor, attempting to extinguish the fire consuming her. Disturbingly, witnesses reported no one immediately intervened to help as she fought for her life.
As the train screeched to a halt at Clark and Lake, the victim, still burning, managed to stumble onto the platform before collapsing. Two bystanders then rushed to her aid, finally extinguishing the flames that threatened to overwhelm her.
She remains in critical condition, suffering severe burns to her face and body. Emergency responders worked frantically at the scene, captured in graphic video footage, to transport her to a hospital.
Investigators quickly pieced together the events leading up to the attack. Surveillance footage showed Reed purchasing gasoline at a nearby station just twenty minutes prior, filling a small container with the fuel.
Further images revealed Reed inside the train, holding a flaming bottle as he approached his victim. After the attack, he calmly exited the train and walked away, seemingly unconcerned by the devastation he had caused.
Reed was apprehended the following morning, still wearing the same clothes from the night before, and bearing burns on his right hand. During his arrest, he repeatedly yelled hateful phrases at officers.
A partially melted bottle, a lighter, and remnants of the victim’s clothing were recovered from the train seat. The scene offered chilling evidence of the deliberate and brutal nature of the assault.
During his initial court appearance, Reed shockingly declared, “I plead guilty, I plead guilty, I plead guilty.” When informed of the potential for a life sentence, he responded with unsettling indifference, stating, “It’s cool, it’s cool, it’s cool.”
Authorities have highlighted Reed’s extensive criminal history, a pattern of violence and disregard for the law. He had been released just months prior, despite prosecutors’ concerns, while facing charges in another assault case.
His past offenses include aggravated arson at the Thompson Center, attacks on multiple women, and a recent assault at a psychiatric hospital. Law enforcement officials expressed outrage that he was allowed back on the streets, given his documented history.
Records show at least thirteen arrests by Chicago police since 2017, painting a disturbing picture of a man repeatedly given opportunities that ultimately led to this horrific act. The question now looms: could this tragedy have been prevented?
The attack has sparked outrage and renewed debate about the criminal justice system and the safety of public transportation. The victim continues to fight for her life, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.
