Chicago Arson Suspect Identified as Career Criminal by White House

Thu Nov 27 2025 23:46:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lawrence Reed, accused of setting a woman on fire in Chicago, has a lengthy criminal history, according to officials. The victim, Bethany MaGee, survives but is in critical condition.

Lawrence Reed, the man accused of dousing 26-year-old Bethany MaGee in gasoline and setting her on fire in Chicago, has been labeled a 'career criminal' by the White House, citing his 72 prior arrests. The incident, which left the victim with severe burns, has sparked a debate over criminal justice policies in Illinois. The White House has linked the attack to the state's 'no cash bail' law, with both local and federal leaders discussing the implications for public safety.

The Chicago man who allegedly doused a woman in gasoline and lit her on fire on November 17 was deemed a 'career criminal,' according to statements from the White House.

Lawrence Reed, who was arrested for the crime, has a record of 72 prior arrests that include eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanors, as reported by authorities.

The victim, 26-year-old Bethany MaGee, has survived the attack but is reportedly 'fighting for her life with horrific burns,' indicated the White House.

In his court appearance on Monday, Mr. Reed shouted 'I'm guilty' multiple times after being warned that he could face a life sentence for charges that include committing a terrorist attack.

The White House attributed the incident to the perceived leniency of Democratic policies on crime, labeling them as 'soft.' Given that both the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago are governed by Democrats, President Donald Trump is considering withholding federal funds to Illinois over its removal of cash bail laws.

The White House's statement claimed that Reed 'was walking free because of the radical, dangerous 'no cash bail' law' initiated by Governor JB Pritzker and supported by Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson.

In response, Mayor Johnson characterized the attack as 'tragic' and extended his prayers to the victim and her family.

Lawrence Reed, 50, has a documented history of mental illness and had been arrested 72 times since turning 18, as reported by local media.

In a previous incident in August, he was charged with aggravated battery against a social worker and was released with electronic monitoring despite prosecutors' objections.

The attack on Ms. MaGee occurred while she was 'minding her own business and reading her phone,' according to the prosecution. Witness accounts and the criminal complaint detail how Reed approached her from behind, doused her with gasoline, and set her ablaze as she attempted to escape.

Footage from the incident purportedly shows Reed observing MaGee as she rolled on the floor in flames trying to extinguish the fire.

Mayor Johnson previously remarked that the attack 'should have never happened,' attributing it to failures in both the criminal justice system and mental health care availability.

Reed's case has reignited discussions about his mental health issues and the dangers he posed to himself and the community. As a county commissioner in 2020, Johnson proposed redirecting funds from police and jails towards public services; however, he later committed to maintaining police funding during his mayoral campaign in 2023.

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