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Judge Orders Chicago Blue Line Arson Suspect Held Pending Federal Trial

Federal authorities say 50-year-old Lawrence Reed deliberately used gasoline and a lighter to set a woman on fire aboard a Chicago Blue Line train at about 9:30 p.m. Monday. A judge ordered Reed detained pending federal trial, citing his lengthy arrest record and the danger he poses. Court filings allege roughly 72 arrests over 30 years and about 15 convictions, including eight felonies. A mental evaluation was ordered after Reed said he had not taken his medication.

12:57 AM, 11/22/2025Security
Judge Orders Chicago Blue Line Arson Suspect Held Pending Federal Trial

A federal judge has ordered 50-year-old Lawrence Reed to remain in custody ahead of his federal trial after prosecutors said he deliberately used gasoline and a lighter to set a woman on fire aboard a Chicago Blue Line train late Monday evening.

Reed is charged federally with committing a terrorist attack or violence against a mass transportation system. Prosecutors said the alleged assault occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when Reed intentionally ignited the victim. In court filings, they argued Reed is "simply too dangerous for pre-trial release."

Prosecutors cite lengthy criminal history

Court records presented at a detention hearing describe an extensive arrest record. Federal prosecutors, citing police records, say Reed has been arrested roughly 72 times over the last 30 years and has about 15 convictions, eight of them felonies, including arson, criminal damage to government-supported property, drug offenses and a felony traffic offense. The filing also notes that some of Reed’s most recent arrests occurred within the past several years.

The prosecutor’s filing argued that the state system had been unable to contain Reed’s violent behavior and that federal intervention was necessary. The filing stated that, despite lenient treatment in some state cases — including probationary sentences and pretrial release — Reed continued to reoffend.

Courtroom behavior and detention order

At Friday’s detention hearing, Reed appeared in jail clothing and handcuffs and told the judge he intended to represent himself. Prosecutors described the alleged attack as "horrific and depraved," saying the victim had been "minding her own business" when she was set on fire. Surveillance images shown in court reportedly drew visible reactions from Reed, who was observed shaking his head, smirking and at one point making a gesture toward people in the gallery.

"Defendant’s actions and criminal history ... demonstrate that he is a serious danger to everyone in the community," the filing said, arguing for detention.

Judge Laura McNally ordered Reed detained pending trial, citing his criminal history, the gravity of the allegations and the danger he poses to the community. She also ordered a mental health evaluation after Reed told the court he had not been taking his medication.

When given an opportunity to speak, Reed said he agreed with the government’s request for detention, repeatedly telling the judge that he did not feel safe outside custody and describing himself as a target. As the hearing concluded, he told the judge, "Just make sure I eat... If you want to try me, you have to feed me." The judge did not announce a specific next court date during the hearing.

The case remains under investigation and more details are expected as federal proceedings continue.

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