Authorities have identified the woman who was severely burned in an attack aboard a Chicago train last week.
According to a report published Monday by the Daily Mail, the victim is 26-year-old Bethany MaGee of Upland, Indiana. MaGee works as an analyst for equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and is described by friends and family as an active church member and an animal lover. She is the daughter of Emily and Dr. Gregory MaGee and has two brothers, Mark and John. Dr. MaGee is a professor of Biblical studies at Taylor University, a Christian college in Indiana.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed outrage over the attack, writing on X that it was “devastating that a career criminal with 72 prior arrests is now accused of attacking 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicago’s L train and setting her on fire.” He criticized the city’s handling of repeat offenders, saying that allowing individuals with extensive criminal histories to remain on the streets poses a danger to the public.
It is devastating that a career criminal with 72 PRIOR ARRESTS is now accused of attacking 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicago’s L train, and setting her on fire.
This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the… https://t.co/1vaHyCd8sp
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 23, 2025
Federal authorities have charged 50-year-old Lawrence Reed with terrorism-related offenses after he allegedly doused MaGee with a flammable liquid and set her on fire aboard the Blue Line. Witnesses reported that the victim rolled on the ground in an attempt to extinguish the flames. She was hospitalized with serious injuries; her current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Records show Reed had been arrested numerous times prior to the incident. Critics have questioned previous decisions that allowed him to remain free leading up to the attack. City and court officials have not yet commented on those concerns.
The investigation is ongoing.