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
Judge orders man accused of spraying Ilhan Omar held before trial, possibly in solitary confinement

Judge Orders Pre-Trial Detention for Man Accused of Spraying Ilhan Omar, Solitary Confinement Considered

The individual accused of assaulting Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., with a liquid…
Rhode Island activist slams adult-run nonprofit that promoted 'student-led' anti-ICE school walkout

Rhode Island Activist Unveils Controversy: The Truth Behind the ‘Student-Led’ Anti-ICE Walkout

In a powerful display of activism last week, the Providence Student Union…
Jill Biden's ex-husband charged with murder in death of wife

Jill Biden’s Former Spouse Faces Murder Charges in Wife’s Tragic Death

William Stevenson, known as the ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden,…
Donations surge for fallen NY officer and new mom following tragic death at hands of DWI suspect

Community Rallies with Generous Donations for Fallen NY Officer and New Mother After Tragic DWI Incident

In the span of just 48 hours, donations have surged to nearly…
Mayor Donna Deegan 'hologram' removed from Jacksonville International Airport

Jacksonville International Airport Removes Controversial Mayor Donna Deegan Hologram: What’s Next?

The controversial “Holo-Donna” installation at Jacksonville International Airport, a holographic projection of…
Appeals court overturns conviction of UCLA gynecologist over issue at trial

Shocking Turnaround: Appeals Court Reverses Conviction of UCLA Gynecologist Due to Trial Missteps

An appeals court in California has overturned the sexual abuse conviction of…
Costa Rica swings right as voters embrace tough-on-crime leader amid surging violence

Costa Rica Elects Crime-Focused Leader in Response to Rising Violence

In a significant shift for Costa Rica, voters have chosen conservative populist…
Standoff in Beacon Lake ends with suspect's death; neighbor recounts tense SWAT operation

High-Stakes SWAT Showdown at Beacon Lake: Eyewitnesses Share Chilling Details of Suspect’s Fatal End

In a recent incident that gripped a tranquil St. Johns County neighborhood,…
N.Y.’s special elections must become nonpartisan

Why New York’s Special Elections Need a Nonpartisan Overhaul for Fairer Results

Today, a significant number of New Yorkers will head to the polls…
Makea Matthews death: Family of woman found dead in cold in Philadelphia seeks answers

Unraveling the Mystery: Family Desperately Seeks Justice for Makea Matthews Found Dead in Philadelphia Cold

PHILADELPHIA — A tragic discovery was made in Philadelphia as the body…
Authorities 'aware' of reports of possible ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance

Authorities Investigate Reports of Potential Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Case

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Tucson, Arizona, has acknowledged being “aware”…
Morning Minute: The One Reason I Might Actually Watch the Super Bowl

Discover the Unexpected Reason This Non-Fan Is Tuning into the Super Bowl

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Good morning and welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute.”…