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.
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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.
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