Bethany MaGee Identified as Victim in Chicago Train Fire Attack

CHICAGO, Illinois — November 24, 2025 — Bethany MaGee, 26, has been identified as the woman who was set on fire aboard a Chicago L train in an attack that has drawn sharp criticism of the city’s crime policies. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy condemned Chicago’s approach to repeat offenders, highlighting that the alleged assailant, Marcus Reed, had 72 prior arrests and was out on bond at the time of the incident.

According to federal prosecutors, Reed, 50, intentionally doused MaGee with gasoline and ignited her while she was seated on a CTA Blue Line train around 9:30 p.m. on November 17. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros said MaGee was “minding her own business and reading her phone” when Reed approached from behind, poured gasoline over her head and body, and attempted to set her on fire.

The complaint states that MaGee ran to the back of the train car as Reed ignited the remaining gasoline, then used it to set her ablaze. Video footage reportedly shows Reed watching as MaGee rolled on the floor trying to extinguish the flames, with no immediate assistance from other passengers. When the train stopped at Clark and Lake station, MaGee, still on fire, managed to exit before collapsing on the platform, where two bystanders helped put out the flames.

Reed has been charged with committing a terrorist attack or violence against a mass transportation system. Authorities described him as a career criminal with a long history in the criminal justice system. Duffy criticized the city’s policies, stating on social media that the attack “would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars” and that “Chicago’s carelessness is putting the American people at risk. No one should ever have to fear for their lives on the subway.”

The incident has raised concerns about public safety on Chicago’s transit system and the management of repeat offenders within the city’s criminal justice framework. Reed remains in custody pending trial.