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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Chicago police are investigating a brutal attack on the “L” train system where a 26-year-old woman was set on fire. Following an argument with a man, the suspect poured an unknown liquid on the woman and ignited it, causing her to catch fire. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim, who sustained severe burns, was rushed to Stroger hospital in critical condition. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and the train lines were temporarily shut down for the investigation.
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Authorities have charged 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht with starting the destructive Palisades Fire, which was one of two blazes that broke out in January, causing widespread damage. Rinderknecht allegedly started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered before reigniting and spreading through Pacific Palisades. He was arrested in Florida and faces charges including malicious destruction by fire, with the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. Investigators found evidence linking him to the initial fire, as well as his presence at the scene and attempts to cover up his actions.
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On October 4, the South Carolina home of Judge Diane Goodstein, who recently ruled against President Trump, was destroyed by fire. Judge Goodstein was unharmed, but her husband and two others were hospitalized with injuries after the blaze. Although initial reports suggested an explosion, investigators have since stated that they have not found any evidence of arson or a pre-fire explosion. Judge Goodstein’s ruling against the Trump administration and the recent threats she received, have raised suspicions, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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The home of South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein was destroyed by a fire on Saturday, resulting in three hospitalizations, including her husband. Authorities, including the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are investigating the cause of the blaze, which remains undetermined. The incident has drawn attention due to the judge’s recent ruling against the Trump administration and subsequent online criticism, although there is currently no evidence of arson. The investigation is ongoing, and SLED has stated that more information may become available as it progresses.
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A British court found three men guilty of arson in a March 2024 plot, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence services, targeting a warehouse in London storing supplies for Ukraine. The arson, which involved recruited amateurs, is part of a growing campaign of disruption across Europe, with Western officials blaming Moscow for its role in more than 70 similar incidents since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Intelligence officials express growing concern about the increasing violence of these operations, including arson and sabotage, as the campaign evolves. The recruited saboteurs, often young people with no criminal records, receive instructions from Russian operatives, reflecting a shift in methods to employ proxies following expulsions of Moscow’s spies from Western countries.
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The trial revealed that Earl, convicted under the National Security Act, planned multiple “missions” beyond a warehouse fire, including arson attacks and the kidnapping of a Russian dissident. Evidence from Earl’s phone showed reconnaissance and discussions about using explosives in these planned attacks. The targeted individual, Evgeny Chichvarkin, a vocal critic of the Russian government, owned businesses valued at over £30 million. Additionally, Ashton Evans was found guilty of failing to disclose information, while Dmitrijus Paulauskas was acquitted of similar charges.
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Overnight, Melbourne police are investigating three antisemitic incidents. First, an East Melbourne synagogue was set on fire, followed by a protest at an Israeli-owned restaurant. Later, an incident occurred at a business in Greensborough where three cars were set on fire and spray painted. Authorities are currently investigating potential links between the incidents and have released images of a person of interest in connection with the synagogue arson.
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Suspected sabotage caused a major power outage affecting Cannes and surrounding areas, plunging approximately 160,000 homes into darkness, including venues at the Cannes Film Festival. Investigations revealed arson at an electrical substation and damage to a pylon. Despite the disruption to screenings, the festival’s closing ceremony will proceed as scheduled thanks to a backup power system. Authorities are investigating the incident.
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Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs broke into his home after discovering Cudi was dating Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Weeks later, Cudi’s car was firebombed, an incident he directly attributed to Combs. Cudi’s testimony included details of a subsequent meeting with Combs, where Combs denied involvement despite Cudi’s belief in his culpability. The testimony also revealed that Cassie had been secretly seeing both men simultaneously. This event unfolded amidst Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking trial, where multiple witnesses detailed allegations of abuse against Combs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker