Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Chicago Subway Attack: Woman Set on Fire, Suspect Arrested
A man named Lawrence Reed set a woman on fire on a Chicago subway train.
The woman is very badly hurt.
Reed was arrested and has a long history of violence and arson.
He could go to prison for a very long time if found guilty.
A 26-year-old woman was set on fire on a Chicago CTA Blue Line train on Monday night.
The attack was unprovoked and caught on surveillance video.
Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and charged with committing a terrorist attack on a mass transportation system.
Reed has a history of violence and arson, with 49 prior arrests and 10 felony convictions.
The victim is in critical condition with burns covering more than half her body.
- Who
- Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man, and a 26-year-old woman
- What
- Reed set the woman on fire on a Chicago CTA Blue Line train
- When
- Monday night around 9:25 PM
- Where
- Near the Clark/Lake station on the Chicago CTA Blue Line
- Why
- The attack was unprovoked
Prosecution's Stance
Defense's Stance
Danger to Community
Prosecution's Stance
Reed poses a significant danger to the community and should remain in detention.
Defense's Stance
Reed's defense may argue for leniency or alternative sentencing, considering his mental state.
- Victim's Condition
- Critical, with burns covering more than half her body
- Suspect
- Lawrence Reed, 50
- Charges
- Committing a terrorist attack on a mass transportation system
- Suspect's Criminal History
- 49 prior arrests, 10 felony convictions
- Hospital
- Stroger Hospital