Lawrence Reed, CTA Blue Line fire attack suspect, due in court in indictment that includes arson at Chicago City Hall
Share this @internewscast.com

A troubling case returns to the spotlight as Lawrence Reed, the man accused of a horrific attack on a CTA Blue Line train, is set to appear in court this Tuesday. Reed, 50, is facing federal terrorism charges after allegedly setting a woman on fire during the incident.

Reed’s legal troubles don’t end there. He was indicted for his alleged involvement in the CTA fire and is also accused of starting a blaze at Chicago City Hall just three days prior. This pattern of violence has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about safety.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

In addition to these charges, Reed has also been implicated in a March incident where he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a female passenger on a CTA train. When a man intervened, Reed reportedly attacked him, adding to the list of allegations against him.

The victim of the Blue Line attack, 26-year-old Behtany McGee, was doused in gasoline and set ablaze on November 17. Tragically, she remains hospitalized, battling critical injuries as a result of the assault.

Reed, who has pleaded not guilty to the federal terrorism charges, faces a daunting path through the legal system as the court proceedings continue. The case has captured public attention, as it underscores ongoing concerns about safety on public transportation in Chicago.

Reed is facing federal terrorism charges in that attack, and has pled not guilty.

Reed has a lengthy criminal history, including over 70 arrests.

Prior to the Blue Line arrest, Reed was arrested in August for attacking a social worker at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, while Reed was a psychiatric patient.

A Cook County judge released him on electronic monitor following that.

The charges in the indictment are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

He is due in court at 10 a.m. on Tuesday for a status hearing at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Nevada judge frees convicted MS-13 killer despite government warnings about public safety

Nevada Judge Releases Convicted MS-13 Member Amid Government Safety Concerns

In a controversial move, a Nevada judge has defied a Justice Department…
Meningococcal disease: 2 deaths, more cases that usual reported in meningitis outbreak, Chicago Department of Public Health warns

Chicago Faces Unusual Surge in Meningococcal Cases: Health Officials Report Two Fatalities

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Department of Public Health has raised an…
LAPD chief defies Newsom's mask ban for federal immigration agents citing safety concerns

LAPD Chief Prioritizes Safety Over Politics: Defies Newsom’s Mask Ban for Federal Agents

The Los Angeles Police Department has chosen not to implement a California…
Egor Demin's first NBA double-double leads Nets to win over Jazz

Egor Demin’s Debut Double-Double Propels Nets to Victory Against Jazz

Egor Dëmin, a rising star with the Nets, returned to Utah for…
Palestinian immigrant convicted of second murder-for-hire plot hatched from North Carolina cell

Palestinian Immigrant Found Guilty of Orchestrating Second Murder-for-Hire Scheme from North Carolina Prison

A federal jury in North Carolina has found a Palestinian immigrant guilty…
Oswego murder: Friend speaks out after Aurora man Ryan Dodd charged with stabbing ex-wife Ashley Stewart to death in home invasion

Aurora Resident Charged in Tragic Oswego Home Invasion: Friend Shares Insight on Ryan Dodd and Ashley Stewart Case

In Oswego, Illinois, a community is mourning the tragic loss of a…
Don't have a REAL ID yet? TSA to charge $45 fee starting Sunday

TSA Introduces $45 Fee for Passengers Without REAL ID Starting Sunday: What You Need to Know

Get ready for longer lines at airports if you don’t have a…
LAPD arrests violent agitators after protests erupt outside federal detention center in Los Angeles

LAPD Takes Action: Arrests Made as Protests Turn Violent at Los Angeles Federal Detention Center

On Friday evening, the Los Angeles police detained several individuals identified as…
California woman arrested after allegedly beheading boyfriend, fleeing to Mexico

California Woman Apprehended Following Alleged Beheading of Boyfriend and Subsequent Escape to Mexico

A chilling incident has unfolded in California, where a woman from Anaheim…
Man, 59, found dead in Queens apartment building with massive head injuries

59-Year-Old Man Discovered Deceased in Queens Apartment with Significant Head Trauma

Authorities are actively investigating the death of a 59-year-old man who was…
Pure Gold: Sen. Kennedy Demolishes Tim Walz and the Anti-ICE Crew as Only He Can

Sen. Kennedy’s Epic Takedown: Defending ICE Against Gov. Walz’s Criticism

In recent months, there has been a significant uptick in confrontations and…
Florida couple sues fertility clinic after allegedly giving birth to someone else's baby

Florida Couple Takes Legal Action Against Fertility Clinic Over Alleged Baby Mix-Up

A couple from Florida has taken legal action against a fertility clinic…