Woman set afire in CTA Blue Line attack released from hospital, 'My family and I are grateful'

A woman who was set on fire in a CTA Blue Line attack in November in the Loop has been released from Stroger Hospital.

In a written statement Friday, Bethany MaGee said: "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. I am especially thankful to the burn team at Stroger Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion and expertise, as well as for the support they showed my family throughout my hospitalization."

MaGee was on the L train when she was doused in gasoline and set on fire.

At a court hearing in November, a prosecutor called the attack "barbaric" and said MaGee was on fire for a full minute.

Lawrence Reed faces a terrorism charge in the attack that, if he is convicted, carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Court records show Reed has a history of mental illness and, according to the prosecutor, has been arrested 72 times in 32 years.

In court in November, his lawyer said Reed has faced schizophrenia and depression for 26 years. A report filed in 2024 in a case in which Reed was charged with kicking a building's front door, said he "takes medication for mental illness and suicidal ideation."