Federal Authorities Charge Man with Terror Attack on Chicago Train

Thu Nov 20 2025 01:04:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Chicago man has been charged with setting a woman on fire on a Blue Line train, an act described as a terrorist attack by federal prosecutors.

Lawrence Reed, 50, has been charged with a federal count for committing violence against a mass transportation system after allegedly setting a woman on fire on a Blue Line L train in Chicago. The incident occurred on Monday night, leaving the victim critically injured with severe burns. Details from a federal affidavit describe the attack, which Reed carried out using a gasoline-filled bottle. Following the attack, Reed calmly exited the train as the victim required urgent medical attention.

Federal prosecutors have charged 50-year-old Lawrence Reed with committing a terrorist act after he allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a Chicago Blue Line L train. The shocking incident occurred Monday night, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

According to a federal investigator’s affidavit filed alongside Reed's arrest, the suspect was seated at the rear of the train car when he approached the victim, who was unaware of his presence. In a sudden and horrific act, Reed poured a liquid believed to be gasoline over the woman before igniting it.

The woman, in panic, attempted to escape to the back of the car but sadly, Reed followed her and set her aflame. When the train arrived at the Clark and Lake station in downtown Chicago, Reed nonchalantly exited while the severely burned victim fell to the ground, subsequently requiring immediate medical intervention.

The woman has been reported as critically injured, suffering extensive burns to her head and body.

Reed faces serious federal charges for violence against a mass transportation system, although there is currently no information regarding legal representation for him. During his initial court appearance, Reed reportedly exhibited disruptive behavior, yelling as he faced the judge.

}