Share and Follow
A man charged with federal terrorism, accused of setting a woman ablaze on a CTA Blue Line train, is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
Lawrence Reed, 50, has been indicted not only for the fire on the CTA train but also for allegedly starting a fire at Chicago City Hall just three days prior to the train incident.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
In addition, Reed faces accusations from March related to attempting a sexual assault on a female CTA passenger and subsequently attacking a man who stepped in to help.
The horrifying incident on November 17 involved Reed allegedly pouring gasoline on 26-year-old Behtany McGee and igniting it on the Blue Line train.
McGee is currently hospitalized, battling severe injuries from the attack.
Reed is facing federal terrorism charges in that attack, and has pled not guilty.
SEE ALSO | Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to FTA directive on CTA safety; officials divided on demand
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.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
