A Chicago man accused of setting a woman on fire on a train last month has been indicted on a separate arson charge involving the city’s City Hall building.
New Indictment Adds to Criminal Charges
Prosecutors released court records Thursday showing that Lawrence Reed, 50, allegedly “maliciously damaged and attempted to damage and destroy, by means of fire,” City Hall on Nov. 14.
Reed’s Violent Train Incident
Reed was at the back of a Blue Line L train on Nov. 17 when he approached a woman and doused her with gasoline. According to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrest affidavit, the 26-year-old woman fought off the man, ran across the car, and Reed chased her. Surveillance video showed Reed igniting the bottle, approaching the woman and setting her on fire.
Court Proceedings and Public Response
Images from the surveillance video were presented in court in November. A judge agreed to keep Reed in jail pending trial. The hearing also confirmed court and law enforcement records dating back more than 30 years that detail Reed’s frequent contact with police in and around Chicago. Reed’s courtroom behavior, including shouting “I plead guilty!” repeatedly as the judge spoke, attracted national headlines.
Mayor’s Statement
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the Nov. 14 arson attempt days after it occurred. He said someone tried to start a fire outside City Hall but that it did not spread beyond the initial flames or cause damage. Johnson added, “It goes without saying that this type of violence has no place in our politics.”
Legal Implications
Reed was charged in November with committing a terrorist attack in connection with the train incident. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Key Takeaways
- Lawrence Reed, 50, faces an additional arson indictment for an attempted City Hall fire on Nov. 14.
- The train incident on Nov. 17 involved gasoline and resulted in a woman being set on fire.
- Reed is currently held in jail pending trial for the terrorist attack charge.
The case continues to draw national attention as court proceedings proceed and officials weigh the seriousness of Reed’s violent actions.
