Cook County Judge Under Fire After Releasing Blue Line Arson Suspect: A Preventable Chemical Burn Tragedy?

The recent attack on Chicago’s Blue Line, where a woman was doused with gasoline and set ablaze, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about the Cook County justice system and the safety of its citizens. This horrific incident, resulting in severe chemical burn injuries for the victim, has placed a Cook County judge under intense scrutiny for releasing the suspect prior to the attack. Was this a preventable tragedy?

The Incident: A Crime That Shook Chicago

On November 17, 2025, Bethany MaGee, a 26-year-old woman, was riding a Blue Line train when she was randomly attacked. Lawrence Reed, 50, allegedly poured gasoline on her and ignited it, leaving her with life-threatening burns. The attack occurred near the Clark and Lake station, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting a federal investigation. MaGee sustained burns to roughly 60 percent of her body and remains hospitalized.

The Suspect: A History of Violence

Lawrence Reed, the accused assailant, has a long and troubling criminal history. Reports indicate he has been arrested 72 times since he turned 18, with charges including battery, arson, and criminal damage to property. In 2020, Reed was convicted of arson for setting fire to a government building in downtown Chicago.

Prior to the Blue Line attack, Reed was facing aggravated battery charges for allegedly attacking a social worker at MacNeal Hospital. Despite prosecutors’ requests to detain him, a Cook County judge released him on electronic monitoring. This decision is now at the heart of the controversy.

The Judge’s Decision: A Matter of Debate

Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez is facing criticism for her decision to release Reed on electronic monitoring. At an August detention hearing, an assistant state’s attorney warned that releasing Reed could pose a danger to the community, stating that electronic monitoring “could not protect the victim or the community from another vicious, random, and spontaneous attack.” Despite this warning, the judge released Reed, a decision that is now being heavily scrutinized.

Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans has announced that his office is “reviewing all actions” related to the case. He stated that they will work with justice-system partners to assess procedures and determine if additional safeguards or policy adjustments are needed.

The Legal Framework: Pretrial Fairness Act

The decision to release Reed was made under the Pretrial Fairness Act, which eliminated cash bail in Illinois. Under this act, the threshold for denying pretrial release is high. The state must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that no condition or combination of conditions can reasonably ensure a defendant’s appearance in court or protect the public. Allegations alone are not enough; the law requires evidence of a specific, unmanageable risk that cannot be addressed through available supervision or court-ordered conditions.

Chemical Burn Injuries: A Lifetime of Scars

The victim in this case suffered severe chemical burns, a particularly devastating type of injury. Chemical burns can result from exposure to strong acids, gasoline, and other substances. The severity of a chemical burn depends on factors such as the strength of the chemical, the duration of exposure, and the area of the body affected.

Chemical burns can cause a range of injuries, including:

First-degree burns: Damage to the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain.
Second-degree burns: Damage to both layers of skin, causing swelling, redness, and blisters.
Third-degree burns: Damage to all skin layers, potentially destroying nerve tissue and causing numbness.

Severe burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Victims may also experience long-term complications such as scarring, pain, and disfigurement. The psychological impact of such injuries can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Federal Charge: Terrorism on Mass Transit

In light of the severity of the attack and Reed’s alleged actions, federal prosecutors have charged him with committing a terrorist attack or other violence on a mass transportation system. This federal offense carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, reflecting the gravity of the crime.

A Preventable Tragedy?

The question remains: could this tragedy have been prevented? The fact that Reed had a long criminal history, including prior arson convictions and a recent aggravated battery charge, raises serious concerns about the decision to release him on electronic monitoring. The assistant state’s attorney’s warning about the potential danger Reed posed to the community now seems chillingly prescient.

This case highlights the complex challenges of balancing individual rights with public safety. While the Pretrial Fairness Act aims to ensure that defendants are not held in jail simply because they cannot afford bail, it also places a heavy burden on the state to demonstrate that a defendant poses a significant risk to the community.

Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Harm

The Blue Line arson attack has sparked a debate about judicial discretion, pretrial release policies, and the effectiveness of electronic monitoring. As the legal proceedings against Lawrence Reed move forward, it is crucial to examine the factors that led to his release and to consider reforms that can prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The victim, Bethany MaGee, faces a long and difficult recovery. Her family has launched a fundraiser to aid in her recovery, and the community has rallied around her in support.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence or criminal actions of another, it is essential to seek legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.