On Nov. 17, 2025, around 9:30 p.m. local time, a violent attack occurred on a CTA Blue Line train near Clark and Lake in The Loop, Chicago. A 26-year-old woman, Bethany MaGee, was doused with an ignitable liquid and set on fire, leaving her with severe burns. She was transported to Stroger Hospital for treatment by the hospital’s burn team and remains under medical care. Law enforcement quickly arrested Lawrence Reed, 50, who now faces a federal terrorism charge: one count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system in the Northern District of Illinois. Prosecutors say the act constitutes a terrorism-related attack against a mass transportation system, and the motive is under investigation.
Officials from the Chicago Transit Authority and Stroger Hospital’s burn team are coordinating care for the victim and reviewing safety measures in the wake of the incident. The CTA said it would cooperate with authorities and assess security protocols across its system.
Reaction to the attack was swift, with national and local leaders condemning the violence. Former President Donald Trump criticized Chicago leadership, saying the city is “out of control.” The victim’s family has requested privacy as she receives treatment. Public safety and transit officials say the incident underscores concerns about safety on mass transit and the need for coordinated security responses in major cities.
The investigation is ongoing, and Reed faces federal charges tied to terrorism against a mass transportation system. Officials say motive remains under review as prosecutors prepare for the next steps in the case.
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