BREAKING: A shocking incident unfolded aboard a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train on Monday when Lawrence Reed, a man with 49 prior arrests and 10 felonies, allegedly set a 26-year-old woman on fire. Reed, 50, was arrested on Tuesday and now faces federal charges of terrorism, raising urgent questions about public safety and judicial accountability.
The attack occurred as the victim was simply “minding her business” and using her phone, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros. Witnesses reported that Reed approached the woman and began pouring gasoline on her before igniting the flame. Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene, with the victim desperately trying to extinguish the fire as bystanders hesitated to intervene. It wasn’t until she managed to escape the train that two Good Samaritans came to her aid.
As of Wednesday night, the victim remains hospitalized with burns covering over 50 percent of her body, highlighting the severe consequences of the attack. Reed appeared in court, insisting on representing himself, repeatedly stating, “I plead guilty.” However, he seemed perplexed when informed about the terrorism charges.
Reed’s criminal history is alarming. His previous arrests include serious charges, such as an incident in August 2023 where he allegedly knocked someone unconscious. Local officials and concerned citizens are questioning how someone with such a lengthy record was free to commit another violent act.
Critics are pointing fingers at Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, who denied prosecutors’ requests to detain Reed after his latest arrest. Many argue that her decision allowed a dangerous individual back into the community. The incident echoes a disturbing pattern of judicial leniency in Chicago, where crime rates continue to rise.
The attack has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, not just for Reed but also for the judicial system that released him. As one Twitter user pointed out, “Until judges are held responsible for their decisions, it will never stop.”
Authorities are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding Reed’s release, as calls for reform in the justice system grow louder. This incident has become a focal point for discussions about repeat offenders and public safety.
What happens next? Reed is expected to face significant legal consequences, but the community is left grappling with the implications of his actions and the judicial decisions that allowed him to roam free. As investigations continue, the public awaits answers and action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
