Chicago Woman Set on Fire on Train Speaks Out After Hospital Release, Suspect Faces Terror Charges [WATCH]

A young woman who was set on fire aboard a Chicago Transit Authority train more than two months ago has broken her silence after being released from the hospital, marking a significant milestone in her recovery following the violent attack, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The victim, Bethany MaGee, 26, was hospitalized for months after suffering severe burn injuries during the November incident on the CTA Blue Line.

On Friday, MaGee issued her first public statement after being discharged from Stroger Hospital in Chicago.

Bethany MaGee, 26, identified as Chicago woman set on fire on CTA train by serial thug with 72 arrests https://t.co/25TQyohXTK pic.twitter.com/yEf65xtkxY

— New York Post (@nypost) November 23, 2025

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“My family and I are grateful to be able to celebrate this milestone, and we want to sincerely thank everyone who has offered support, kindness, and encouragement during this time,” MaGee said in a statement obtained by media outlets.

“I am especially thankful to the burn team at Stroger Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and expertise, as well as for the support they showed my family throughout my hospitalization.”

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MaGee did not provide details about her current medical condition and did not comment on the man accused of attacking her.

Remember the young lady, Bethany MaGee, who was set on fire while riding the CTA Blue Line in Chicago—after months in the hospital, she’s finally been released home.

Sending prayers to this young lady for a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/Mqyn6F90aO

— Midwest Millennial (@MillennialVerse) February 6, 2026

The suspect, Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and later charged with federal terrorism-related offenses in connection with the attack. Authorities said Reed doused MaGee with a flammable liquid and set her on fire while the train was in service.

Prosecutors allege Reed repeatedly yelled “Burn b**ch!” as MaGee attempted to extinguish the flames.

Court records show Reed had been arrested 72 times prior to the incident. Following his August arrest for allegedly assaulting a security guard, Reed was released pending trial under electronic monitoring.

According to reporting by CBS News, a Cook County assistant state’s attorney warned during an August 22 hearing that Reed had an extensive criminal history and that his next offense would “likely be violent.”

The prosecutor also stated that electronic monitoring “could not protect the victim or the community from another vicious, random, and spontaneous attack.”

Despite the warning, Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, a Cook County judge, approved Reed’s release with an ankle monitor.

During the hearing, she addressed the request for detention, stating:

“I can’t keep everybody in jail because the State’s Attorney wants me to.”

Following the November attack, Reed was taken into custody and now faces federal charges tied to the incident. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the ongoing prosecution.

The Chicago Transit Authority has not commented publicly on the case beyond cooperating with law enforcement. Investigators have said the attack appeared unprovoked and occurred while passengers were present.

MaGee’s release from the hospital comes as the criminal case against Reed continues to move forward through the federal court system. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active.

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