Chicago, Illinois – November 25, 2025 – A shocking attack on a Chicago train has left everyone stunned. Bethany MaGee, a 26-year-old woman, was set on fire while riding the CTA Blue Line. The suspect has a long criminal history. This case raises big questions about city safety and justice.
The Horrific Attack Details
The attack happened on November 17, 2025, at about 9:25 p.m. MaGee was sitting on the train at Clark/Lake station. Lawrence Reed came up behind her, poured gasoline on her, and lit it.
She screamed and ran out when the train stopped. She collapsed on the platform, still burning. No one stepped in to help right away, but people called emergency services. Reed just watched and left calmly.
Video from a nearby gas station showed Reed buying the fuel 30 minutes before. MaGee got burns on 60% of her body, including her face and head.
Who Is Bethany MaGee?
Bethany MaGee is a 26-year-old business analyst at Caterpillar Inc. She grew up in Upland, Indiana, in a close family. Friends and neighbors say she’s gentle, smart, and kind.
She moved to Chicago for her job after college. People remember her for community work and a positive attitude. Now, she’s in critical condition at Stroger Hospital’s ICU.
She’s had many surgeries. Her family wants prayers and started a GoFundMe for bills. The attack seems random; no link to Reed.
Lawrence Reed: The Suspect’s Dark Past
Lawrence Reed, 50, was caught the next day. He wore the same clothes and had burns on his hand. In questioning, he yelled rude words.
Reed has 72 arrests in 30 years, with 8 felonies. He tried to burn City Hall days before and smashed train windows in 2020. He got probation then.
Weeks earlier, a judge let him out on electronic monitoring. Prosecutors wanted him locked up, but the judge said she can’t jail everyone. Reed has mental health problems and acted odd in court, singing and claiming to be Chinese.
Charges and Ongoing Probe
The U.S. Justice Department took over after local delays. No clear motive yet. Some wonder if it’s a hate crime due to race – MaGee is white, Reed is Black.
Investigators rule out any connection between them. The case highlights issues with bail reform in Chicago.
Nationwide Outrage and Responses
The story has sparked anger across the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy named MaGee and blamed Chicago’s careless policies.
Police groups call it predictable with Reed’s record. They want end to soft-on-crime rules. Mayor Brandon Johnson gets heat for focusing on equity over safety.
On social media, #JusticeForBethany is trending. People share prayers, her photo, and calls for change. Conservatives say liberal policies put innocents at risk.
CTA promises more patrols and camera checks. But experts say fix mental health and transit security for real.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bethany MaGee Chicago Train Attack
Get quick answers to top questions on this tragic event:
Based on public reports, social media discussions, and ongoing conversations on platforms like X, here is an expanded and detailed FAQ covering the most common questions people are asking about Bethany MaGee, the attack, Lawrence Reed, and related issues. This includes queries about her background, the incident, legal aspects, media coverage, and broader systemic concerns raised online.
1. Who is Bethany MaGee?
Bethany MaGee is a 26-year-old woman from Upland, Indiana, who works as a business analyst at Caterpillar Inc. in Chicago. She’s described by friends, family, and neighbors as gentle, smart, kind, and from a supportive, close-knit family. She moved to Chicago after graduating college with honors and was involved in community activities. Many on X have shared her photo and stories emphasizing her positive demeanor and promising future.
2. What exactly happened in the attack?
On November 17, 2025, around 9:25 p.m., Bethany MaGee was seated on a CTA Blue Line train at the Clark/Lake station in Chicago’s Loop when Lawrence Reed approached her from behind, poured gasoline on her, and set her on fire. She screamed, stumbled out of the train when it stopped, and collapsed on the platform while still burning. Surveillance video showed Reed buying gasoline at a nearby station about 30 minutes earlier. No passengers intervened immediately, but some called for help afterward. The attack appears random, with no prior connection between them.
3. What is Bethany MaGee’s current condition?
As of November 25, 2025, Bethany is in critical condition in the ICU at Stroger Hospital, with severe burns covering up to 60% of her body, including her face and head. She’s undergone multiple surgeries and is fighting for her life. Her family has requested prayers, and updates indicate she’s still alive but faces a long, painful recovery with potential lifelong scarring and pain.
4. Who is Lawrence Reed?
Lawrence Reed is a 50-year-old Chicago resident with a documented history of mental illness. He’s been arrested over 72 times in the past 30 years, with at least 15 convictions, including 8 felonies. His past includes violent offenses like aggravated arson, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, and criminal damage to government property. In court, he’s shown erratic behavior, such as yelling profanities, singing, and claiming to be Chinese.
5. What is Lawrence Reed’s full criminal history?
Reed has approximately 72 arrests and 15 convictions (8 felonies). Specifics include:
- 2020: Aggravated arson at the James R. Thompson Center (probation).
- 2020: Criminal damage to government property (smashed CTA train windows; probation).
- 2020: Criminal damage to government property (damaged a corrections computer; probation).
- Other convictions: Drug trafficking, possession, felony traffic violations, and multiple batteries.
Just days before the attack, he was suspected of trying to set fire to Chicago’s City Hall-County Building. Weeks earlier, he allegedly knocked a social worker unconscious. Exact details vary by source, but his record highlights repeated violent and arson-related incidents.
6. Why was Lawrence Reed not in jail before the attack?
Reed was released on electronic monitoring weeks before the incident by Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, despite prosecutors’ pleas to detain him due to his extensive history and recent assault on a social worker. The judge reportedly stated she “can’t keep everyone in jail.” This decision is tied to Chicago’s bail reform policies, which critics on X call “soft-on-crime” and blame for enabling repeat offenders.
7.What charges does Lawrence Reed face?
Reed faces federal terrorism charges, which could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if Bethany MaGee does not survive. He was arrested the day after the attack, still wearing the same clothes, and reportedly yelled phrases like “burn bitch burn” during questioning. The U.S. Department of Justice took over after local authorities hesitated.
8. Is this a hate crime?
The attack appears random, but some on X speculate about racial motivations, noting MaGee is white and Reed is Black. It has not been officially classified as a hate crime, though discussions highlight potential racial dynamics and call for it to be investigated as such. Federal terrorism charges focus on the intent to terrorize rather than hate crime statutes.
9. Does Lawrence Reed have mental health issues like schizophrenia?
Reports confirm Reed has a history of mental illness, and he’s exhibited erratic behavior in court. Specific diagnoses like schizophrenia aren’t publicly detailed, but arsonists and violent offenders are statistically more likely to have conditions like schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders. X users often ask about this in relation to his release and accountability.
10. Who is Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, and why did she release Reed?
Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez is a Cook County judge who overruled prosecutors’ request to detain Reed, citing bail reform principles. Videos circulating on X show her admitting that defendants’ skin color and ethnicity influence her rulings. Critics argue this enabled the attack, and many ask why she wasn’t stricter given his 72 arrests.
11. Can Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez be charged or held accountable?
Calls on X for her to be charged as an accomplice or removed from the bench are widespread. Legally, judges have immunity for judicial decisions, but she faces backlash and potential ethics reviews. Some suggest victims’ families could sue, but wrongful death claims would require MaGee’s death. Broader accountability through elections or reforms is discussed.
12. How has the public reacted to the attack?
Nationwide outrage on X includes hashtags like #JusticeForBethany, prayers, and demands for justice. Leaders like Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Chicago’s “careless” policies. Police groups called it “predictable.” Conservatives criticize “liberal soft-on-crime” approaches, while some discuss racial aspects. Support messages and comparisons to cases like George Floyd are common.
13. Why is there little media coverage of Bethany MaGee’s case?
X users point out a media blackout: Zero mentions in outlets like NYT, WaPo, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, PBS, AP, BBC, Reuters, or Chicago Tribune, compared to thousands for George Floyd. Some attribute it to racial bias or political agendas, with only Fox and NY Post covering it extensively. Questions like “Why no coverage?” dominate discussions.
14. Has Governor JB Pritzker or Mayor Brandon Johnson commented?
Neither has publicly addressed the attack directly, despite criticism on X for prioritizing other issues like holiday tours. Users ask why they haven’t spoken out, accusing them of focusing on “equity” over safety. They claim Chicago doesn’t need federal help, but critics disagree.
15. Why are there no protests about this incident?
X conversations question the lack of protests, contrasting it with cases like George Floyd. Some blame media silence or perceived racial bias, asking “Where are the humane liberals?” Others note it’s not “predictable” enough for widespread action, but online rallies with #JusticeForBethany are growing.
16. Is this related to broader issues like bail reform or soft-on-crime policies?
Yes, many on X link it to Chicago’s bail reforms, which they say prioritize offenders over victims. Comparisons to other cases (e.g., Iryna Zarutska, Charlie) highlight “pro-criminal” policies in blue cities. Calls for stricter laws, ending probation for violent felons, and life sentences after first felonies are frequent.
17. How can I help Bethany MaGee?
Donate to her family’s GoFundMe for medical expenses (raised over $150k as of recent updates). Share her story, pray for her recovery, and contact Chicago officials or representatives to advocate for bail reform, better mental health services, and transit security. X users emphasize raising awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
18. What is the CTA doing in response?
The CTA has announced increased patrols, surveillance reviews, and enhanced security measures. However, advocates on X call for broader fixes like addressing mental health on transit and repeat offenders. Questions about why no one intervened highlight ongoing safety concerns.
19. Has video footage of the attack been released?
Surveillance video exists showing Reed buying gasoline and the attack, but full public release is pending. X users report hearing it might be released soon, which could amplify the story.
20. How does this compare to other high-profile cases like George Floyd?
X discussions note stark contrasts: George Floyd has thousands of media mentions, while MaGee has few. Some argue it’s due to racial dynamics or political bias, asking why one sparks riots and the other silence. Broader debates on justice system failures for “innocent” victims vs. offenders.
This attack spotlights urgent needs in urban safety. Follow updates on Bethany MaGee’s recovery and the push for justice.
Call to Action
Stand with Bethany MaGee and demand change. Donate to her family’s fundraising campaign to support her medical recovery. Contact your local representatives and Chicago officials to advocate for stricter bail reforms, improved mental health services, and enhanced public transit security. Share this story to raise awareness and help prevent future tragedies. Your voice matters—act now for safer communities.
