A federal judge has ordered a man to be detained without bail, accused of carrying out a horrifying terrorist attack by setting a woman on fire aboard a busy Chicago commuter train.
A History of Violence Culminates in Terror
The accused, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally on Friday, 21st November 2025. Prosecutors successfully argued for his detention, painting a picture of a man with an extensive and escalating criminal history spanning 32 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Bond revealed that Reed has been arrested 72 times since he was approximately 18 years old. His record includes more than 60 criminal cases filed since 1993, ranging from traffic and drug offences to at least 15 battery and assault cases, as well as previous arson accusations.
Bond described Reed as a “clear danger to the community” whose offences have grown increasingly severe. “He has been given chance after chance after chance,” Bond stated, asserting that Reed is “too dangerous for release.”
The Chilling Attack on the Blue Line
The incident that led to the federal terrorism charge occurred on Monday night aboard Chicago's Blue Line L train. Investigators state that a 26-year-old woman was sitting on the train, scrolling through her phone, when she was approached from behind by Reed.
In a premeditated act, he doused her with gasoline and, seconds later, set her ablaze. An affidavit from a federal ATF agent detailed that Reed first attempted to ignite the woman directly. When she fought back and ran through the train car, he chased her and then managed to ignite the bottle he had used to carry the petrol, using it to set her on fire.
Surveillance footage was critical to the investigation. Cameras inside the train captured the entire attack, while platform cameras showed Reed walking away at a downtown stop. Further footage from a nearby petrol station showed him filling a container with gasoline just 30 minutes before the assault.
Legal Proceedings and a Defendant's Statement
Police arrested Reed the following morning. Federal prosecutors have charged him with one count of committing a terrorist attack, a charge that carries a potential life sentence. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has indicated that if the victim dies from her injuries, Reed could face the death penalty.
During the detention hearing, Reed, who currently has no legal representation for the federal case, insisted on representing himself. When offered a public defender, he stated, “I’m representing myself.” He agreed with the decision to detain him, making the surprising statement that he doesn’t “feel safe in society.”
“I’m a target from society,” Reed told the judge. “I don’t feel safe out there. I think for my safety, it’s best for me to be detained.” He repeatedly asked the judge if he would be given three meals a day and begged her to “make sure I eat.”
Reed is also facing an active charge of aggravated battery for allegedly hitting a hospital social worker in the face in August, causing a concussion and optic nerve bruising. His next court date for that case is set for 4th December.
The victim’s name has not been publicly released. Her family has issued a statement asking for privacy “as we focus our attention on her and her recovery.”
