Chicago Blue Line Arson: Bethany MaGee’s Family Launches GoFundMe After Horrific Chemical Burn Attack

The recent arson attack on the Chicago Blue Line, which left 26-year-old Bethany MaGee with severe chemical burns, has shocked the nation and sparked a wave of support for the victim and her family. In the wake of this horrific incident, Bethany’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the extensive medical expenses and long-term care she will require. This act of violence has not only left a young woman fighting for her life but has also raised serious questions about public safety and the rights of victims of violent crimes in Illinois.

The Attack: A Nightmarish Scenario Unfolds

On November 17, 2025, Bethany MaGee was riding a Blue Line train in Chicago when she was allegedly attacked by Lawrence Reed. According to reports, Reed poured a flammable liquid, believed to be gasoline, on Bethany and then set her on fire. Surveillance footage showed Bethany attempting to flee, engulfed in flames, before collapsing on the platform of the Clark/Lake station. Bystanders rushed to her aid, extinguishing the fire until first responders arrived. Bethany was rushed to Stroger Hospital with critical burns covering more than half of her body.

The Victim: A “Gentle Spirit”

Bethany’s family has described her as a “beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, and aunt.” They say she is a good friend, sensitive, caring, intelligent, and imaginative. She loves living in Chicago, and her gentle spirit makes her a favorite with every pet she meets. She enjoys playing tabletop and video games with her community, and she is quick to include others in conversations and make them feel welcome.

The GoFundMe Campaign: A Lifeline for Recovery

Faced with the daunting prospect of mounting medical bills and long-term care costs, Bethany’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek financial assistance. The campaign has garnered significant attention and support, raising over $324,000. The family stated that while Bethany’s immediate medical expenses are covered by insurance and a victims fund, “with such a long road ahead of her, the freedom from financial worries would be a tremendous blessing.”

The Suspect: A History of Violence

Lawrence Reed, the man accused of attacking Bethany, has been charged with a terrorist attack on a mass transportation system. Reed has an extensive criminal history, with 72 prior arrests. He was on electronic monitoring at the time of the attack, awaiting trial for allegedly attacking a social worker. This has led to questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and the safety of the public.

Legal Options for Victims of Arson and Violent Crimes in Illinois

Bethany’s case highlights the importance of understanding the legal rights and options available to victims of arson and other violent crimes in Illinois.

Illinois Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

The Illinois Constitution and the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act provide certain rights to victims of violent crimes, including:

The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.
The right to timely notification of all court proceedings.
The right to communicate with the prosecution.
The right to be heard at any post-arraignment court proceeding.
The right to be notified of the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.
The right to restitution.
The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.

Crime Victim Compensation

Illinois also has a Crime Victim Compensation program that provides financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime and their families. This compensation can help cover expenses such as:

Hospital and medical expenses
Funeral and burial costs
Lost wages
Counseling

Civil Lawsuit

In addition to criminal charges, Bethany may also have the option of filing a civil lawsuit against Lawrence Reed to recover damages for her injuries, pain, and suffering. A civil lawsuit could provide compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Punitive damages

Potential Negligence Claims

Depending on the circumstances, there might be grounds for a negligence claim against other parties, such as the CTA or the City of Chicago, if it can be shown that they failed to provide adequate security measures to protect passengers.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Victims of arson and violent crimes should seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help victims understand their rights, navigate the legal system, and pursue all available avenues of compensation.

Call to Action

The attack on Bethany MaGee is a stark reminder of the need to prioritize public safety and support victims of violent crime. If you or someone you know has been a victim of arson or another violent crime, it is important to seek legal assistance and understand your rights. Contact a qualified attorney today for a free consultation.