Man Faces Federal Terrorism Charge After Setting Woman on Fire on Chicago Train

A 26-year-old woman was set on fire in an unprovoked attack aboard a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train in the city's Loop area earlier this week. The victim, identified as Bethany MaGee, was riding the train when an assailant poured a flammable liquid on her and ignited it, causing severe burns. Authorities have since charged Lawrence Reed with a federal terrorism offense in connection with the horrific incident.

The attack occurred around 9:25 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2025, as the train approached the Clark and Lake station. Surveillance footage reportedly shows MaGee seated with her back to Reed when he allegedly doused her with gasoline before setting her ablaze. She managed to exit the train at the station, collapsing on the platform with critical injuries.

Lawrence Reed, the man accused in the attack, was previously known to authorities, raising questions about the Cook County electronic monitoring system. Reports indicate that Reed had a history of prior offenses, including breaking train windows in 2020, and was out on electronic monitoring at the time of the incident, despite judicial objections from the State's Attorney's Office. A judge has since ordered Reed to remain in custody, citing him as a danger to the community.

The severity of the crime has sparked widespread outrage and commentary. Pundit Brianna Lyman, responding to reports highlighting MaGee's "gentle" nature and "wonderful family," emphasized the unacceptability of the violence. As Lyman stated in a tweet, > "She could literally be a rude, angry woman from an awful family and it wouldn’t change the fact that she should not have been set on fire for the crime of riding a train."

This incident has intensified public safety concerns on Chicago's public transportation system. The federal terrorism charge underscores the extreme nature of the unprovoked assault, prompting calls for stricter oversight of individuals with violent histories and enhanced security measures across the CTA network. The victim remains in critical condition as the investigation continues.