In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about safety on public transportation, federal prosecutors have charged a Chicago man with setting a woman on fire aboard a Blue Line L train, labeling the act as a terrorist attack.
The incident occurred on Monday night when 50-year-old Lawrence Reed approached his victim on the train. According to a federal investigator’s affidavit, Reed sat at the back of the train car before dousing the unsuspecting woman, who was sitting with her back to him, with what was believed to be gasoline. In a chilling escalation, he then ignited the liquid before approaching her and setting her ablaze.
As the train reached the Clark and Lake stop in downtown Chicago, the horrified woman managed to stumble out of the car where bystanders called for help. Emergency responders rushed her to a hospital where she remains in critical condition, suffering from severe burns to her head and body.
Reed has been charged under federal law with committing violence against a mass transportation system, a move that underscores the seriousness of the crime. During his first court appearance, witnesses noted that he was disruptive and shouted, although it is unclear if he has legal representation.
This horrifying event not only highlights individual acts of violence but also raises broader concerns about public safety on mass transit systems across the nation, prompting calls for enhanced security measures to protect commuters.
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