Chicago Blue Line Attack: Man Faces Federal Terrorism Charge After Allegedly Setting Commuter on Fire

A 50-year-old man, identified as Lawrence Reed, has been federally charged with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system after an attack aboard a Chicago Blue Line train left a 26-year-old woman critically injured.

According to a federal arrest affidavit, surveillance footage and investigators' findings, Reed visited a gas station roughly 20 minutes before boarding the train, filled a plastic drink bottle with gasoline and then poured the fuel onto the woman while the train was in motion. The affidavit says the woman initially fought him off and fled from one end of the car to the other as Reed chased her; prosecutors say Reed then ignited the fuel and set the victim on fire.

The victim stumbled off the train at a downtown stop and was transported to hospital in critical condition with severe burns to her head and body. Reed was arrested the following morning wearing the same clothing seen in surveillance footage and with burn marks on his hand. Investigators also recovered a partially melted bottle, traces of a clear liquid and a lighter from the train seat.

Charges, evidence and arrest

Federal authorities charged Reed with a terrorism-related offense that applies when a violent act targets a mass transportation system. Prosecutors say video evidence and the ATF affidavit show premeditation—Reed’s stop at a gas station and the subsequent boarding of the train in the clothes seen on the footage.

Criminal history and court behavior

Prosecutors outlined a lengthy criminal history dating to 2017, including at least 13 prior arrests on charges ranging from criminal damage to government property to assault and battery, and a prior felony aggravated-arson allegation tied to a separate incident. Local reporting indicates Reed had been arrested in prior alleged random assaults and was previously released on recognizance bonds or electronic monitoring in some cases.

While in custody, Reed reportedly made repeated spontaneous exclamations and used abusive language. During a federal hearing he twice interrupted proceedings and told the judge, "I plead guilty," and also said, "It's cool, it's cool, it's cool," when asked whether he understood the maximum penalty. Authorities say Reed also spat at federal agents while in custody.

Legal implications and possible defenses

The federal terrorism charge is relatively uncommon and carries a potential life sentence; prosecutors have signaled that if the victim dies the case could be eligible for the death penalty. Defense attorneys could pursue an insanity or competency defense, but under federal law the burden to prove mental incompetence or legal insanity rests with the defendant.

Reactions and broader debate

ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon criticized the criminal justice outcomes that left Reed free prior to the attack, saying Reed "had no business being on the streets given his violent criminal history and his pending criminal cases." Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro used the case to argue that policies aimed at reducing pretrial detention have allowed repeat offenders to reoffend, while others caution that a single incident should not automatically determine policy for all pretrial or bail reforms.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the assault and described it as a tragic incident that city officials are treating as isolated. Federal prosecutors are leading the case; state authorities have not publicly announced whether they will file parallel state charges.

The investigation and prosecution are ongoing. Reed remains in federal custody as authorities continue to review the case and the condition of the victim.