Horrific Random Attack on Chicago's Blue Line
A 26-year-old business analyst for Caterpillar remains hospitalised with severe burns covering 60 percent of her body after being doused in gasoline and set alight during a random attack on Chicago's metro system. Bethany MaGee, originally from Upland, Indiana, was travelling on the Blue Line on Monday night when the unprovoked assault occurred.
The alleged attacker, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, has been identified as a serial criminal with 72 prior arrests who was released on an ankle monitor months earlier despite prosecutors warning he posed a danger to society.
Judicial Failure and Political Fallout
Court records reveal that Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez allowed Reed to walk free in August after he allegedly assaulted a social worker, despite prosecutors explicitly warning that his next crime would "likely be violent." According to court transcripts, Judge Molina-Gonzalez stated: "I can't keep everybody in jail because the state's attorney wants me to."
The Trump Administration has seized upon the attack to bolster its argument for deploying the National Guard to Chicago. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail: "This tragic crime should have never happened and it sadly highlights the dangers of Democrat control."
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows Reed filling a container with gasoline at a station just 20 minutes before the attack. The federal criminal affidavit states that Reed approached MaGee while she was on her phone and repeatedly yelled "burn alive b***h" before dousing her in fuel.
Community Response and Recovery Journey
MaGee managed to flee the train car when it stopped at Clark and Lake station, where witnesses rushed to her aid. One commuter described using their coat to smother the flames, while others comforted the severely injured woman.
Her family has released a statement expressing gratitude for the medical care at Stroger Hospital and requesting continued prayers during her recovery. Medical updates from her church community indicate the most serious burns affected her left arm and hand.
MaGee, who works as a business research analyst at Caterpillar, is described as an animal lover close to her parents Emily and Gregory and two brothers Mark and John. Her father Dr Gregory MaGee serves as a professor of Biblical studies at Taylor University in Indiana.
The attack has drawn comparisons to the August murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who had her throat cut while travelling on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both cases involved suspects with extensive criminal histories.
Reed now faces federal terrorism charges and remains in custody after appearing to wear the same clothing during his arrest as seen in the attack footage. He sustained fire-related injuries to his hand during the incident.
MaGee underwent surgery earlier this week and is expected to remain hospitalised for at least three months for treatment and rehabilitation.
