CHICAGO — Federal authorities have charged 50-year-old Lawrence Reed with a terrorism offense after he allegedly set a 26-year-old woman on fire aboard a Chicago CTA Blue Line train.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Reed was captured on surveillance video filling a plastic bottle with gasoline at a gas station about 20 minutes before the incident.
While on the train around 9 p.m. on November 17, Reed is alleged to have approached the woman from behind, removed the cap of the bottle, and poured flammable liquid on her head and body.
Investigators say the woman tried to flee, but Reed chased her, ignited the liquid, and used the burning bottle to set her on fire. When the train reached Clark/Lake station, she managed to escape the car and collapsed on the platform.
The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition, suffering severe burns.
Reed has a lengthy arrest history — reports show at least 49 prior arrests, including 10 felony cases. Among his past charges are aggravated battery, arson, and other violent offenses.
During his initial court appearance, Reed reportedly shouted, “I plead guilty! I plead guilty!” multiple times and said he was a Chinese citizen, asking for diplomatic notification to be made to the Chinese consulate.
Authorities say Reed had “plenty of second chances,” and criticized the justice system for repeatedly releasing him despite his violent record.
If convicted, Reed could face life in prison, the maximum penalty under the federal terrorism charge for attacks on a mass transportation system.
