A dangerous African American criminal aged 50, identified as Lawrence Reed, was charged with domestic terrorism after attacking and setting fire to a white woman aboard a train in Chicago, United States.
The incident, which left the 26-year-old victim seriously injured, was described by authorities as one of the most brutal episodes recently recorded in the city's public transportation system.
The accused, identified as Lawrence Reed from Chicago, has a "very long and extensive criminal record," according to officials in charge of the case. The severity of the episode led to the intervention of federal prosecutors, who filed charges for committing a terrorist attack or another act of violence against a public transportation system.
El agresor.
During a press conference, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew Boutros, described the incident as a "brutal and ruthless attack." According to his account, the victim was traveling northbound near the Clark and Lake subway station in the Loop area when she was surprised by the assailant.
"The victim was traveling northbound near the Clark and Lake subway station in the Loop, calmly reading her phone when the accused doused her with gasoline and set her on fire," Boutros stated.
He added that the episode was captured by surveillance cameras, but warned: "The surveillance video is difficult to watch. It is very disturbing." According to witnesses, while attacking the victim, the dangerous criminal shouted: "Burn alive, bitch!".
The prosecutor also pointed out that the footage shows how the young woman, engulfed in flames, struggles while the other passengers "moved away" and watched. "Even as she rolled on the ground, desperately trying to put out the fire, no one came to her aid until she was able to get off the train and reach the platform," he explained.
El ataque.
Once the train stopped and the woman managed to get out onto the platform, two people who were there quickly intervened to extinguish the flames. "Her condition remains critical and we pray for her recovery," Boutros stated, emphasizing that the victim remains hospitalized.
Regarding the accused, Boutros was emphatic in stressing that Reed "had no reason to be on the street" due to his extensive criminal record that includes 49 prior arrests.
"Reed had many second chances thanks to the criminal justice system," said Amon, another official cited. "As a result, we have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life. Thanks to the swift action of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the ATF, and our law enforcement partners, Mr. Reed will have no more opportunities."
