Overview
- Lawrence Reed, 50, is charged in federal court with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system after a woman was set on fire on a CTA Blue Line train.
- The 26-year-old victim remains in critical condition; U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said she was attacked without provocation while looking at her phone.
- An affidavit cites video of the suspect filling a small container with gasoline about 20 minutes before the attack, footage of the dousing and ignition, and recovered items including a partially melted bottle and lighter.
- Reed was arrested Tuesday with fire injuries to his hand and, according to police and court records, shouted “Burn” slurs in custody; prosecutors say the rare federal charge can carry a potential life sentence.
- A detention hearing is set for Friday with ordered physical and mental evaluations, as officials highlight Reed’s extensive criminal history and electronic monitoring status and the mayor urges expedited state transit funding for safety and mental-health services.