Chicago, November 28, 2025
A 26-year-old woman, Bethany MaGee, was set on fire by Lawrence Reed on a Chicago Blue Line train on November 17, 2025. The attack occurred at the Clark/Lake station and has been classified as an act of terrorism, raising urgent concerns about public safety and criminal justice policies.
Details of the Incident
Bethany MaGee, described by her family as a gentle spirit, suffered severe burns to her head and body after Lawrence Reed doused her with gasoline and ignited it on train car #3236. The incident occurred while the train was inbound and stopped at the busy Clark/Lake station in downtown Chicago. Surveillance footage captured Reed pouring liquid from a bottle before setting MaGee ablaze. As of November 22, MaGee remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Accused’s Background
Lawrence Reed, 50, a Chicago resident, has a documented history of criminal behavior with 72 prior arrests before this attack. Reed was released by Cook County Circuit Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez shortly before committing the crime, prompting renewed debate on bail and pretrial release procedures. His extensive pattern of offenses raises questions about the system’s handling of repeat offenders.
Law Enforcement and Political Reactions
Reed was apprehended the following day while still wearing the clothes he had on at the time of the attack and sustaining fire-related injuries to his right hand. Reports indicate that upon arrest, he shouted aggressive remarks including “burn bitch” and “burn alive bitch.” Authorities have officially classified the attack as terrorism. The incident has captured national attention, with President Trump and the White House publicly addressing the attack and emphasizing its implications for public safety.
Wider Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The attack has rekindled a national conversation about criminal justice reform, particularly the effectiveness of monitoring habitual offenders and the risks associated with pretrial releases. Media outlets and social platforms have extensively covered the event, highlighting gaps in the system that may have contributed to this tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate Reed’s complete criminal background, including potential links to a 2020 incident at the Thompson Center, while efforts to understand and prevent similar attacks persist.
This incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive reforms to balance public safety with criminal justice policies. The sustained investigations and policy debates it has sparked will likely influence approaches to handling repeat offenders and reassessing pretrial release frameworks going forward.