Midwest
Chicago train fire attack shows why ‘decarceration’ policies are putting lives at risk: expert
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The man accused of randomly setting a woman on fire while on a Chicago transit train this week has been slapped with a federal terrorism charge, marking the latest instance of violence on public transit that continues to plague the country.
Lawrence Reed, 50, was charged with one count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system, the Northern District of Illinois U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Reed was riding on the city’s Blue Line L train at around 9 p.m. Monday when he approached a 26-year-old woman from behind and doused her with gasoline from a plastic bottle, according to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrest affidavit.
The woman managed to fight Reed off as he attempted to ignite the gas, then ran from one end of the car to the other while Reed continued to chase her, the affidavit said, citing surveillance video from the train. Reed subsequently ignited the bottle, approached the victim and used it to set her on fire, prosecutors said.
CHICAGO WOMAN SET ON FIRE DURING ARGUMENT ON CTA TRAIN, POLICE SAY
Lawrence Reed, 50, was charged with committing a terrorist attack or violence against a mass transportation system, according to officials. (Chicago Police Department)
“Reed then ran to the front of the train car and stood watching [the victim] as her body was engulfed in flames,” the affidavit said.
Additional surveillance video revealed Reed visited a gas station roughly 20 minutes before the attack to fill the bottle with fuel, according to the affidavit. He then allegedly walked to the train station, where he boarded an arriving car and executed his attack.
Immediately after the attack, Reed exited the train at the next stop in downtown Chicago, prosecutors said. The woman also stumbled off of the train and fell to the ground and was transported to a hospital in critical condition after sustaining severe burns to her head and body, according to authorities.
Reed was taken into custody Tuesday morning with burn marks on his hand and wearing the same clothes as the suspect seen in surveillance footage carrying out the attack, the affidavit said.
While in police custody, Reed allegedly made “repeated spontaneous and unprompted utterances,” including yelling, “burn b—-” and “burn alive b—-,” according to the affidavit.
Additionally, investigators recovered a partially melted bottle, clear liquid and lighter from the woman’s train seat.
CHICAGO REPEAT OFFENDER ACCUSED OF PUNCHING WOMEN ARRESTED AGAIN AFTER YEARS OF VIOLENT CRIMES: REPORT
Train footage shows Reed allegedly coming up behind a 26-year-old and pouring the liquid on her head and body. (U.S. District Court)
He was subsequently turned over to federal authorities on Wednesday.
In a news conference Wednesday, prosecutors reviewed Reed’s sprawling criminal history dating back to 2017, including a felony aggravated arson charge from an incident in which Reed was accused of starting a fire at the Thompson Center, where Gov. JB Pritzker was holding a daily COVID-19 briefing.
“If you just locked up the habitual offenders, including those who have mental illness, the conditions in not only Chicago and New York — but other blue cities — would be appreciably better,” retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro told Fox News Digital. “They just won’t do it because of this decarceration movement, and it doesn’t correlate, even if you accept the idea that crime is going down in certain categories.”
In addition to the previous arson charge, Reed has been arrested at least 13 separate times for charges ranging from criminal damage to government property to assault and battery, according to FOX32.
In February 2020, Reed faced misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly punching women in the face in what appeared to be random attacks, the outlet reported. He was reportedly arrested later in the month for a similar incident in which prosecutors allege he slapped a 42-year-old man in the face at the Halsted CTA Blue Line platform.
He was later released on recognizance bonds in both cases, FOX32 reported.
AMERICA’S COMMUTERS UNDER SIEGE AS VIOLENT TRANSIT CRIMES ENDANGER BLUE CITIES
Footage showed Reed allegedly purchasing the items used in the attack from a nearby gas station. (U.S. District Court)
In August, Reed faced charges of aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a woman at a psychiatric hospital, according to CWB Chicago.
Although prosecutors requested to keep him in custody, Reed was ultimately released with an ankle monitor.
“The bottom line is there is a recidivist class that is incorrigible and that we just don’t enforce against, and it never ends,” Mauro said.
Reed’s erratic behavior continued as he allegedly spat on federal agents while in custody, according to WGN. He then reportedly continued to be disruptive once he entered the courtroom on Wednesday by repeatedly shouting over U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally.
“I plead guilty, I plead guilty,” Reed reportedly said, according to the outlet.
McNally reportedly attempted to continue the hearing as Reed repeatedly interrupted.
BLUE CITY SUSPECT WITH NUMEROUS PRIOR ARRESTS FEDERALLY CHARGED AFTER ALLEGEDLY SETTING WOMAN ABLAZE ON TRAIN
“I’m going to talk to you,” McNally said, to which Reed replied, “Don’t talk to me.”
When asked if he knew the maximum sentence was life in prison, Reed reportedly responded, “It’s cool, it’s cool, it’s cool.”
The interruptions continued with Reed telling the judge, “I’m guilty,” while also claiming to be a Chinese citizen, according to WGN.
Reed’s behavior could indicate that his defense team would pursue an insanity plea, according to Mauro. However, he added that the burden of proof regarding mental competency falls strictly on the defendant.
“The only way that he’s going to get off on an insanity defense is [by proving] a result of a severe mental disease or defect, the defendant was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts,” Mauro told Fox News Digital. “The burden of proof is on him.”
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros reportedly said he had not been made aware of Reed ever being legally declared as mentally incompetent.
CHICAGO PERSON OF INTEREST IN TRAIN FIRE ATTACK HAS 22 PRIOR ARRESTS, WAS FREED BY JUDGE: REPORT
Lawrence Reed was allegedly wearing the same clothing as the suspect seen on surveillance footage lighting a 26-year-old woman on fire when authorities confronted him one day later, according to federal prosecutors. (U.S. District Court)
Reed was charged with one count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system, a sparsely used charge that hinges on a violent act taking place on public transit, according to Mauro.
“The charges are going to hold up,” Mauro said. “You don’t see this charge very often, but it is a terrorism offense. The federal charge is going to hold up. This is not showboating.”
Mauro suggested the Trump administration could bring federal charges in this case to send a message to predominantly Democratic cities with relaxed bail laws.
CHARLOTTE TRAIN STABBING PUTS NORTH CAROLINA COMMUTERS ON EDGE AFTER RANDOM ATTACK
“I think it sends a message that the feds are taking the case because they don’t trust the local prosecutor,” Mauro said. “But I don’t think that that message is received, and the message is, ‘We’re taking this and charging it because you guys had [13] shots at this guy, and you didn’t get it done.”
At a news conference Wednesday, federal agents expressed frustration that Reed was free to roam the streets at the time of the attack, while pointing to his extensive criminal history, according to The Associated Press.
“Lawrence Reed had no business being on the streets given his violent criminal history and his pending criminal cases,” ATF Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division Christopher Amon said. “Reed had plenty of second chances by the criminal justice system, and, as a result, you have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life.”
SEE IT: VIDEO SHOWS CHARLOTTE TRAIN STABBING SUSPECT BEFORE ATTACK AND MINUTES BEFORE ARREST
On Thursday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violent act, while adding that it appears to be an “isolated incident.”
“This is obviously a tragedy, and it’s the tragedy of one of the worst of its kind, And we’re hoping, of course, that everyone can heal in this moment,” Johnson said. “As awful and as horrific as this tragedy is, this is an isolated incident.”
Reed is facing the possibility of life in prison, with Boutros adding that if the victim were to die from her injuries, the federal case could be eligible for the death penalty.
The Cook County State Attorney’s Office and Chicago Police Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions regarding whether officials would file state charges against Reed.
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The case has reignited concerns about public safety on mass transit systems and repeat offenders being released onto the streets, and Mauro insisted the violence will remain as long as criminals continue to be let out of jail.
“It just means that every time you get on the subway or even walk the streets, it’s Russian roulette,” Mauro said. “And if it’s your bad luck that day, you’re going to find out why these policies are so detrimental.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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As part of our 30th anniversary celebration last month, we asked Hour Detroit readers to vote for their favorite covers from the magazine’s history. With all votes tabulated, here are the top 10 Hour Detroit covers, as voted by our loyal readers.
10. May 2022
Our May 2022 cover story by Nolan Bianhi highlighted the rise of Detroit City Football Club. The cover itself, photographed by Sal Rodriguez and featuring DCFC’s rabid Northern Guard Supporters, also birthed the very funny #EdDuckerForever social media trend.
As explained by Editor-In-Chief Kate Walsh in her Editor’s Letter in the June 2022 issue, “When the DCFC fans noticed a fan holding a scarf that said “Ed Ducker Forever,” some were left scratching their heads…Most people figured out that Ed Ducker was born to cover a profanity front and center on our cover, but they didn’t leave it at that. #EdDuckerForever became a thing on Twitter, with DCFC fans and others creating a backstory for this fictional character, including tales of his prowess on the pitch and in the sheets, saving (or dropping) babies, his love of beer, etc.”
Truthfully, the whole incident is symbolic of the overall vibe at any DCFC match. If you’ve never attended one yet, what are you waiting for?
Another piece of trivia: former Hour Detroit digital editor Christina Clark is among the group of fans — she’s the one with pink hair. Coincidentally, the photo was taken before she joined the magazine.
9. July 2023
Featuring a stunning aerial photograph by William Cunningham, the cover for the July 2023 issue of Hour Detroit just draws you in with its beauty. The cover story by Kate Townley chronicled the many reasons (65, to be exact) why the Great Lakes are so great. Frankly, there are plenty more reasons to add to this already extensive list.
8. April 2024
Like the DCFC cover, the cover for the April 2024 issue, created by Ryan Olbrysh, has an incredible kinetic energy. Based around Detroit hosting the NFL Draft, the “City Guide” cover story explored all of the details any visitor to metro Detroit should know and featured contributions from Bill Dow, Dana White, Juliana Lumaj, Mickey Lyons, and Jack Thomas.
7. May 2020
For the May 2020 issue, Hour Detroit chronicled the impact of COVID-19 on metro Detroit in a nine-page special report by Steve Friess, Amy Haimerl, Joanne C. Gerstner, and Ashley Winn. The cover depicts the Spirit of Detroit monument wearing a mask and hospital scrubs. The poignant image is an original oil painting by Luke Mack for Hour Detroit.
6. January 2018
Abdul El-Sayed graced the January 2018 cover of Hour Detroit, was profiled by Lou Blouin, and photographed by Matthew LaVere. At that time, he was a 33-year-old Michigan gubernatorial candidate gaining lots of attention for his rising grassroots campaign.
The former director of the Detroit Health Department lost the Democratic nomination to Gretchen Whitmer. However, the man some thought could be the first Muslim governor in the United States now has a chance at becoming the first Muslim person elected to the United States Senate. El-Sayed, now 41, is in a very competitive 2026 Democratic primary race against Rep. Haley Stevens and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Primary elections for the open Michigan Senate seat vacated by a retiring Sen. Gary Peters will take place on Aug. 4, with the Democratic and Republican primary winners facing off in the midterm elections on Nov. 3.
5. February 2021
On this cover photographed by Julia Pickett, contributor Steve Friess summed up Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020 rather perfectly: “A pandemic. An ‘SNL’ parody. A kidnapping plot. And mean tweets from the president. Did anyone have a more bizarre and intense 2020 than ’the woman in Michigan’?” Friess’ cover story on Whitmer explored her 2020 experiences and describing them as “surreal” could be the most apt use of that word ever.
4. January 2024
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell headlined our annual “Detroiters” list in 2024, which highlights the people making unique impacts on metro Detroit. His striking portrait, courtesy of the Detroit Lions, appeared on the cover, with contributor Jim McFarlin detailing the rise of Campbell becoming one of the most beloved Detroit sports figures in recent history.
3. June 2005
Detroit has been very fortunate to have some incredible local news anchors over the years. WDIV-TV’s Carmen Harlan is certainly among the most iconic. A Detroit native, Harlan joined WDIV-TV in 1978 as a general assignment reporter. Three years later, she became an anchor. Paired with Mort Crim, another legendary Detroit news anchor, Harlan continued to serve as anchor until her retirement in 2016. Photographed by Roy Ritchie, Harlan appeared on the cover of Hour Detroit in June 2005 for our “Best of Detroit” issue. In the 2005 edition of our readers’ poll, Harlan won three honors: Best local TV anchor, best TV hairdo (female), and best-looking TV personality.
2. April 2026
Our latest “City Guide” feature took on the theme of “Hidden Detroit.” In it, we examined lesser-known aspects and treasures in metro Detroit. The cover was of Tintoretto’s “The Dreams of Men,” which is featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts, but it’s in a surprising location. If you’re looking to find out where to spot this gorgeous painting, Jack Thomas and Kate Walsh share its location in their piece appropriately titled “Things You May Have Missed at the Detroit Institute of Arts.”
1. June 2019
The 2019 “Best of Detroit” list served as a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who passed away in Aug. 2018 at age 76. Not only did the “Queen of Soul” win the honor of “Detroit Legend,” but she appeared on the cover via an original oil painting by Kim Frank Fujiwara. (Fujiwara won in the category of “Best Fine Artist.”) Simply put: This is a breathtaking cover. We admire and agree with our readers’ outstanding taste in their choice for the best Hour Detroit cover.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?
The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response.
A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.
Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…
The important distinction, as @Anthony_Chiang and I, and @EthanJSkolnick have noted, is while only Bam is off limits, the Heat cannot in good conscience offer every single good young player and every single available first and every pick swap. Most, sure. But offer everything…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 18, 2026
And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.
Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027?
The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.
All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.
Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.
This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.
All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?
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MINNEAPOLIS — Real Capital Solutions (RCS) has acquired 3701 Wayzata Boulevard, a 308,681-square-foot office property in the Urban West End neighborhood of Minneapolis, for $34 million. Situated on 25.8 acres overlooking Brownie and Cedar lakes, the nine-story asset is 99 percent leased and serves as the headquarters location for several companies such as Tactile Medical, SRF Consulting Group, Regis Corp. and MOBE.
Originally developed as a corporate headquarters campus for Prudential and later occupied by Target Corp., the property underwent a comprehensive renovation and repositioning in 2019. Amenities today include a fitness center, conference facilities, a golf simulator, onsite café, outdoor gathering spaces, a rooftop patio, bike storage and direct access to regional trail systems.
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