URGENT UPDATE: A shocking incident aboard a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train has led to a federal terrorism charge against Lawrence Reed, a man with a staggering 49 prior arrests, including 10 felonies. This attack occurred on Monday, when Reed allegedly set a 26-year-old woman on fire while she was simply using her phone.
The victim suffered severe injuries, with burns covering over 50 percent of her body. As of Wednesday night, she remains hospitalized, fighting for her life. U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros stated that the woman was “minding her business” when Reed approached her and doused her with gasoline before igniting the flames.
Witnesses reported that while she desperately tried to extinguish the fire by rolling on the ground, bystanders initially hesitated to help. It wasn’t until she managed to escape to the platform that two good Samaritans stepped in to assist her. This horrific act has drawn immediate outrage and raised questions about public safety and judicial decisions regarding repeat offenders.
Reed was taken into custody and appeared in court on Tuesday, where he insisted on representing himself. During the proceedings, he expressed confusion over the terrorism charge, asking, “Terrorism? What is this all about?” His previous arrests included serious offenses, such as an incident in August where he allegedly knocked someone unconscious.
Critics are now questioning the actions of Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, who previously denied a prosecutor’s request to detain Reed after his latest arrest. Many are calling for accountability in the judicial system, arguing that allowing a man with such a lengthy criminal history back into the community poses a significant risk to public safety.
The parallels to a recent violent incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, where another repeat offender was released despite a troubling background, have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current judicial practices.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the implications of this terrifying event. Authorities are urging bystanders to intervene in emergencies, highlighting the importance of collective action in ensuring public safety.
What happens next in this case remains to be seen, but Reed’s record and the circumstances surrounding this attack have ignited a firestorm of debate about crime, punishment, and the responsibility of the justice system. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
