Chicago Train Arsonist Indicted for Attempted City Hall Fire
A career criminal accused of setting a woman on fire on a Chicago train last month has now been indicted for allegedly attempting to torch City Hall just days prior. Lawrence Reed, 50, faces charges of maliciously damaging and attempting to destroy Chicago’s City Hall building on November 14, according to court records released on Thursday.
Fortunately, the fire at City Hall was contained and did not cause any significant damage, as confirmed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Just three days after the City Hall incident, Reed allegedly attacked a 26-year-old commuter by dousing her with an accelerant and setting her ablaze while they were on a CTA train. The shocking nature of the attack sparked national outrage when it was revealed that Reed, a repeat offender with over 70 arrests, was out on bail at the time for assaulting a psychiatric worker.
According to an arrest affidavit, Reed poured gasoline on the victim, Bethany MaGee, who had her back turned to him, before igniting the accelerant as she tried to escape through the train car. Despite suffering burns on over 60% of her body, MaGee managed to flee the train with the help of bystanders and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Upon his arrest, Reed reportedly shouted, “Burn alive, bitch.” He is currently being held on federal terrorism charges that could result in a life sentence.
Reed’s criminal history includes over 70 arrests, with convictions in 15 cases. Despite this, he has served minimal time in prison, spending a total of two and a half years behind bars. He was on pretrial release at the time of the attack, following an incident where he assaulted a psychiatric hospital worker in August.
Prosecutors had requested that Reed remain in custody, citing his violent tendencies, but a judge ruled in favor of his release. Reed’s prior arrests also include an aggravated arson charge for setting fire to the Thompson Center government building just before a press conference featuring Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to bring justice to the victims of these horrific crimes.
With Post wires
