A senseless act of violence unfolded on Chicago’s Blue Line train last Sunday evening, leaving 26-year-old Bethany MaGee fighting for her life after a repeat offender doused her with gasoline and set her on fire. The attack, captured on surveillance video, shows the perpetrator calmly watching as MaGee, engulfed in flames, rolled on the floor in a desperate attempt to extinguish the blaze. No passengers intervened during those critical moments aboard the train.
Federal prosecutors detailed the sequence in court: MaGee sat quietly, scrolling on her phone, when the assailant approached from behind around 9:30 p.m. on November 17. He poured gasoline over her head and body, then ignited it after she fled to the back of the car. Only after stumbling off the train at the Clark and Lake station did two bystanders finally help put out the fire. MaGee suffered extensive burns to her face and body and remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
The suspect, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed—also known as Marcus Reed—faces federal charges of committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system, which carries a potential life sentence.
During his initial court appearance, Reed blurted out, “I plead guilty, I plead guilty, I plead guilty,” and dismissed the prospect of life imprisonment with, “It’s cool, it’s cool, it’s cool.” Prosecutors revealed photos of Reed purchasing gasoline at a nearby station just 20 minutes before the assault, still wearing the same clothes seen in the attack footage.
Reed’s freedom at the time of the crime stems from a long pattern of leniency in Chicago’s justice system. With 72 prior arrests dating back to his late teens, Reed boasts eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanors. His rap sheet includes a 2020 aggravated arson charge for starting a fire at the Thompson Center during a gubernatorial briefing, as well as multiple assaults on strangers, such as punching women in the face at random and slapping a man on a CTA platform.
In August, he faced aggravated battery charges for attacking a woman at a psychiatric hospital, yet a judge released him on bond with only an ankle monitor—despite prosecutors’ pleas for detention. In 2021, Reed was convicted of another arson after pouring gasoline along a window ledge at the same Thompson Center.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who publicly identified MaGee as the victim, laid the blame squarely on the city’s approach to crime. “It is devastating that a career criminal with 72 PRIOR ARRESTS is now accused of attacking 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicago’s L train and setting her on fire,” Duffy posted on X. “This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets. Chicago’s carelessness is putting the American people at risk. No one should ever have to fear for their lives on the subway.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Amon echoed that sentiment after Reed’s hearing: “Reed had plenty of second chances from the criminal justice system, and as a result, you have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life.” Amon praised the quick response from Chicago police and federal agents, adding, “There will be no other chances for Mr. Reed.”
This incident fits a troubling trend in Chicago, where policies allowing habitual offenders back onto the streets have drawn sharp criticism. Reed’s case exemplifies how such decisions endanger everyday riders on public transit, turning routine commutes into potential nightmares. Federal involvement here signals a push for stricter accountability, especially after Reed’s history of arson and violence went unchecked for decades.
MaGee, described by friends as a kind animal lover—often seen in photos cradling her cat—had no connection to Reed. The attack appears entirely random, fueling calls for reforms to prevent similar tragedies. As Reed awaits his detention hearing, questions linger about why someone with such a volatile record was allowed to walk free in the first place.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.