White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has condemned what she calls “liberal soft-on-crime policies,” arguing they endanger public safety after a woman was set on fire on a Chicago subway train last week.
On November 17, 26-year-old Bethany MaGee was allegedly doused in gasoline and set on fire on the Chicago Blue Line. Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and charged with federal terrorism in connection with the attack. Authorities say he has a lengthy record with dozens of prior arrests.
The assault, described by officials as “barbaric,” has reignited criticism of Chicago’s criminal justice approach and raised questions about how someone with Reed’s record remained free.
Why It’s Getting National Attention
The attack has drawn widespread scrutiny and fueled a broader debate over public safety and criminal justice reform in Chicago, a city often cited in national conversations about violent crime.
It also comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s previous deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and ongoing federal efforts to crack down on crime and immigration.
Safety on public transit systems across the country has been an increasing concern following several high-profile incidents over the past year, including the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.
What Officials Are Saying
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Leavitt asked for prayers for MaGee as she remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. She said the suspect “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 wrote. “Enough is enough.”
According to surveillance footage, MaGee was seated with her back to Reed when he allegedly poured gasoline over her. She attempted to flee, but he is accused of chasing her and igniting the liquid. When the train stopped, the 26-year-old, still engulfed in flames, exited the train and collapsed on the platform. Bystanders helped extinguish the fire, and she was transported to the hospital with severe burns to her face and body.
Reed fled the scene but was arrested the following day. During his first court appearance, he shouted over the judge, declared “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, on charges including arson, aggravated battery and assault. He was most recently arrested in August and has 15 convictions.
ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Chris Amon said at a press conference on Friday: “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 called the incident “a senseless act of violence” and said: “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 also weighed in on X, writing: “This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets.”
In court filings, the Department of Justice stated: “Defendant’s history and characteristics reflect that defendant poses a danger of which no combination of conditions could protect the community.”
What Comes Next
On Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally ordered that Reed remain in custody until trial, citing his alleged actions and extensive criminal history. In her detention order, McNally wrote that he poses a “serious danger to any person or the community.” Reed did not contest being held pending trial.
If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of life in prison.
