The man accused of setting a woman on fire on a Chicago transit train this week is now facing federal terrorism charges, as per a criminal complaint that was lodged against him.
50-year-old Lawrence Reed was charged with a single count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system on Wednesday in the Northern District of Illinois.
This incident unfolded right before 9:30 pm on Monday on the CTA Blue Line train. Security video captured the exact moment that the man, whom authorities identified as Reed, walked through the train car holding a bottle and then went up to the victim, and started to pour liquid across her head. He then tried to ignite it, as per the complaint.
The woman was seen fighting for her life and running towards the train front as the man chased from behind. He ignited the bottle in his hand and dropped it. The woman was on fire, and he continued to watch her burn from a distance. As per the terrifying filing, her whole body was covered in flames. She tried to roll to put that blaze out, the complaint added.
Soon, the train stopped, and the suspect walked out while the cops found the victim covered with serious burns to her face and body. Reed was arrested a few moments later after CCTV footage from a convenience store located his whereabouts. The victim is recovering in the hospital as her family thanks the community for its prayers.