President Donald Trump’s administration has escalated its confrontation with Chicago officials by warning that federal transit funding could be withdrawn unless the city adopts stronger security protocols. The warning follows a violent November attack in which a man on a Blue Line commuter train allegedly doused 26-year-old passenger Bethany MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire, leaving her with severe burns. The federal government demanded that Illinois leaders and Chicago’s mayor submit an updated safety plan by Dec. 19, though the letter did not specify what changes are required. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker condemned the administration’s actions, accusing the president of using a horrific crime as political leverage rather than helping communities improve safety.
Authorities say the accused attacker, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, was arrested the day after the incident and now faces federal charges for committing a terrorist attack, a crime that carries a potential life sentence. Records show Reed has a long history of criminal cases dating back three decades, including numerous assault, battery, and arson charges. At the time of the train attack, he was on electronic monitoring for an active battery case involving an assault on a hospital worker. Federal officials argue that his release reflected systemic failures in Illinois’ criminal justice system, with the transit administrator calling it “unconscionable.” Pritzker’s office pointed to recently passed legislation that aims to improve public transit safety through a new law enforcement task force, though it would not take effect until next year. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the administration’s stance, urging the president to work collaboratively with cities rather than threaten them, as tensions between state and federal leaders continue to rise over crime, immigration, and infrastructure funding.
