Man faces terrorism charge after allegedly lighting woman on fire: CTA arson attack
Man faces terrorism charge after allegedly lighting woman on fire in Chicago CTA arson attack
According to court documents filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Reed was charged Wednesday with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system.
He was expected to appear in federal court Wednesday afternoon.
Prosecutors said Reed and the 26-year-old victim were riding a Blue Line train near the Clark/Lake station around 9 p.m. Monday when Reed approached her from behind, removed the cap from a bottle of liquid, and poured it over her head and body.
The woman tried to run, but Reed caught up with her, ignited the bottle, and dropped it on the floor, according to the criminal complaint. Reed then used the flaming bottle to set the woman on fire, authorities said.
The woman, engulfed in flames, exited the train and collapsed on the platform. The fire was extinguished before officers arrived.
She was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with severe burns.
