Camilla Jessen
A man has been charged with terrorism.
A violent attack aboard a Chicago L train has left a young woman fighting for her life and a 50-year-old man facing a federal terrorism charge. Prosecutors say the incident unfolded without warning on a busy Blue Line train in the city’s Loop.
According to reporting from NBC 5 Chicago, ABC News and WYMT, federal authorities detailed the allegations in a criminal complaint released Nov. 19.
Train attack detailed
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois said Lawrence Reed of Chicago is accused of “committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system.”
Officials noted the charge carries a potential life sentence.
Earlier police accounts suggested the attacker and victim may have argued, but neither the complaint nor the federal statement referred to any confrontation.
Authorities allege the assault began around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 as the 26-year-old victim sat with her back to the suspect.
Investigators said Reed opened a bottle, poured liquid over the woman’s head and body, and chased her when she tried to flee. According to the complaint, he then ignited the bottle, picked it up while burning and used it to set her on fire.
Critical injuries
The woman, who has not been identified publicly, managed to escape the train but suffered extensive burns. Prosecutors told reporters she remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Reed was taken into custody and scheduled for an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally on Nov. 19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Federal response
The announcement of charges came from U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros, ATF Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon, and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
Boutros condemned the attack in a statement, calling it “not just a barbaric assault on an innocent woman riding a train, but an act of terrorism that strikes at the core of our American way of life.”
He said federal, state and local authorities will act “to bring swift justice to the victim while safeguarding the public as well as the fabric of our society.”
Authorities have not discussed a possible motive and have not released further details about the victim’s condition. The investigation remains active as federal officials pursue the terrorism charge tied to Chicago’s mass transit system.
Sources: NBC 5 Chicago, ABC News, WYMT, People
