Lawrence Reed, 50, is facing a federal terrorism charge for allegedly setting a 26-year-old woman on fire on a Chicago CTA train. The victim was reportedly “minding her business” when Reed approached her and poured a flammable liquid over her before igniting it. Surveillance footage shows Reed purchasing gasoline shortly before the attack and has a prior criminal record dating back to 2017. He is currently in federal custody and will undergo mental and physical evaluations before his detention hearing.
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In a shocking admission, former Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq confessed Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism, referencing the recent Red Fort metro station blast and the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Haq’s statement, made in the PoK Assembly, claimed responsibility for attacks across India. This confession comes amid investigations into the Red Fort blast, where authorities seized a significant amount of explosives and linked the perpetrators to Pakistani terror groups. While the Pakistani federal government has distanced itself from Haq’s remarks, they are seen as confirmation of India’s claims of Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
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The US government’s recent decision to designate several European anti-fascist and related groups as terrorist organizations, including Germany’s Antifa Ost, has been met with both support and concern. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party welcomed the move, urging similar action from European governments. However, historians and anti-fascist scholars warn that such a designation sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to a broader crackdown on left-wing activism, especially as far-right groups gain political traction. The US State Department’s decision could result in asset freezing and travel bans for the targeted groups, prompting discussions on the broad definition of “antifa” and the potential for misapplication of the term.
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An FBI investigation revealed a potential ISIS plot to attack the 2024 Chicago Pride Parade using a backpack bomb, as discussed on a dark web terrorist forum. This plot, which never materialized, was part of a larger planned series of attacks against LGBTQ+ targets in the U.S., according to an FBI affidavit. Law enforcement experts emphasize the seriousness of these online threats, especially given the recent arrests in Detroit related to planned attacks on LGBTQ+-friendly venues. Authorities are now highlighting the importance of vigilance, particularly for upcoming public events like the Christmas parades, while Pride Chicago officials are responding with a renewed emphasis on visibility and resilience.
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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported thwarting a series of planned terrorist attacks in Kyiv allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). These attacks were intended to destabilize the capital and included plans for explosions in public spaces and assassinations of prominent Ukrainians. The SBU identified a resident of Crimea, recruited by the FSB, as the organizer of the operation, who traveled to Kyiv to recruit individuals and carry out targeted killings. The alleged recruiter has been charged with high treason, terrorism, and illegal handling of weapons but remains at large in Russian-occupied territory.
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The Trump administration has designated four European left-wing groups as terrorist organizations, targeting groups in Italy, Greece, and Germany, following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. These groups are linked to acts of political violence including bombings, explosive packages, and attacks on neo-Nazis. The designations allow the administration to target any financial support these networks may have in the U.S. This decision follows a history of left-wing political violence in Europe and previous actions by the Trump administration to target left-leaning groups.
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Intelligence agencies have revealed a broader terror conspiracy connected to the Delhi car explosion, uncovering plans to rig 32 vehicles with explosives for coordinated attacks across multiple cities. The investigation expanded after it was discovered that the accused had already started modifying two vehicles, with the intent of using them in future attacks. Around eight suspects were allegedly preparing to execute coordinated explosions at four locations, with each pair assigned to a specific city. The group had raised approximately Rs 20 lakh to purchase NPK fertilizer to make explosives. Authorities are now focused on identifying the wider network involved, as the group was allegedly preparing to carry out the attacks soon.
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A fifth suspect linked to a Hamas terror network has been arrested in Germany, expanding the scope of an investigation into planned attacks across Europe. The individual is accused of supplying weapons for these attacks. This arrest follows previous detentions and highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Hamas network and prevent potential acts of violence on the continent. The investigation is still ongoing.
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The Israeli parliament has approved the first reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for individuals deemed terrorists, which is likely to primarily impact Palestinians convicted of attacks on Israelis. This bill, spearheaded by the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has garnered condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and human rights groups. Another controversial bill allowing the Israeli government to close foreign media outlets without court approval also passed its first reading. This proposed legislation follows a period in which the state of Israel exchanged Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages, thus removing any leverage Hamas may have in the future.
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A suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injured at least 27 others, according to Pakistan’s interior minister. The attacker detonated the bomb near a police car after being unable to enter the courthouse. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accused extremist groups backed by India, a claim that India has denied. While Jumaat Ul Ahrar claimed responsibility, the TTP’s central leadership has denied involvement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker