By Jenni FinkShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized "liberal soft-on-crime" policies for threatening people's safety after a woman was set on fire on the Chicago subway last week.
Why It Matters
The attack has sparked national attention, intensifying debate on public safety and criminal justice reforms in Chicago—a city frequently spotlighted in political discussions around violent crime.
The incident follows the Trump administration’s controversial deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and ongoing federal crackdowns on crime and immigration.
Safety on public transit systems nationwide has become a pressing concern after a series of high-profile attacks reported over the past year, including the stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.
What to Know
On November 17, 26-year-old Bethany MaGee was doused in gasoline and set on fire on the Chicago Blue Line. Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and charged with federal terrorism. The case, which has been described as "barbaric," had dozens of prior arrests and sparked criticism of criminal justice policies in the city that allowed him to be out of prison.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Leavitt asked for prayers for MaGee as she fights for her life in the hospital. Leavitt added that this "monster," in reference to Reed, "should have been locked behind bars, not roaming the streets."
"These liberal soft-on-crime policies threaten the safety and lives of law-abiding Americans," Leavitt said. "Enough is enough."
...Surveillance video shows Magee seated with her back toward Reed when he allegedly pours gasoline over her. She tried to escape, according to the footage, but he chased her and ignited the liquid, setting her on fire. When the train stopped, the 26-year-old, who was still engulfed in flames, exited the train and collapsed on the platform. People on the platform helped extinguish the flames and she was taken to the hospital with severe burns to her face and body.
Reed initially fled the scene but was apprehended the next day. During his first court hearing, he shouted over the judge, yelled "I plead guilty" and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.
Over the past 30 years, Reed has been arrested 72 times, according to the Department of Justice, including for arson, aggravated battery and assault. He most recently was arrested in August and has 15 convictions.
What They're Saying
ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Chris Amon said Friday during a press conference: "Lawrence Reed had no business being on the streets, given his violent criminal history and his pending criminal cases. 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. Because of the swift action of CPD, ATF, and our law enforcement partners, there will be no more chances for Mr. Reed."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said: “This was a senseless act of violence, and we will use every resource necessary to find the individual responsible. Chicagoans deserve to feel safe—on our streets, in our neighborhoods and on our transit system."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X: “This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets."
Department of Justice in court documents: "Defendant’s history and characteristics reflect that defendant poses a dangerof which no combination of conditions could protect the community"
What Happens Next
On Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally ordered that Reed be detained until trial because of his alleged conduct and history. McNally noted that he poses "serious danger to any person or the community" in the order to detain him until his trial. If convicted, Reed faces life in prison. He did not oppose being detained until trial.
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