Lawrence Reed, 50, faces federal arson and terrorism charges for a November 2025 fire at Chicago City Hall and a train attack that set a woman on fire.

Lawrence Reed, 50, of Chicago, has been indicted on additional federal charges of attempted arson for a fire at City Hall on November 14, 2025, days before he allegedly set a woman on fire on a Blue Line train on November 17. Prosecutors say he tried to damage the building with fire, though no significant harm occurred. The train attack, captured on surveillance video, involved Reed dousing the 26-year-old victim with gasoline and igniting her, leading to a federal terrorism charge carrying a potential life sentence. Reed, who has a decades-long history with law enforcement and over 70 prior arrests, made headlines for disruptive courtroom behavior, including repeatedly shouting “I plead guilty!” during hearings. Authorities are investigating multiple alleged incidents, including an attempted sexual assault and an attack on a man who intervened. The case has prompted heightened security concerns on public transit and in city buildings.