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Wife of CTA shooting victim calls for more security
Marquettia Johnson describes the pain of losing her husband Raymond Harrison and frustration over lack of CTA response
Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:11pm
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The tragic loss of a CTA passenger's life exposes the urgent need for enhanced security measures and victim support on Chicago's public transit system.Chicago TodayThe wife of a CTA Pink Line shooting victim, Marquettia Johnson, called for more security at a CTA Board meeting, describing the pain of losing her husband Raymond Harrison and the frustration she says has only grown in the months since his death. Johnson said there was no acknowledgement from the CTA about the tragedy her family has endured.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing concerns about public safety and security on Chicago's public transit system, as well as the need for transit agencies to provide support and acknowledgement to victims' families in the aftermath of violent incidents.
The details
The shooting happened two days before Christmas, near the Washington and Wells station in the Loop. Police say Pedro Villarreal was armed with a knife and arguing with two men on the train. They say he took a gun from one of the men, and opened fire on both of them, killing Raymond Harrison.
- The shooting occurred on December 23, 2025 near the Washington and Wells CTA station.
- Marquettia Johnson spoke at a CTA Board meeting on April 8, 2026.
The players
Marquettia Johnson
The wife of CTA shooting victim Raymond Harrison.
Raymond Harrison
A CTA passenger who was killed in a shooting on the Pink Line in December 2025.
Pedro Villarreal
The suspect who was armed with a knife, got into an argument with two men on the CTA train, took a gun from one of them, and opened fire, killing Raymond Harrison.
Lester Barclay
The chairman of the CTA Board, who said he was overwhelmed by the grief and loss expressed by Marquettia Johnson.
CTA
The Chicago Transit Authority, which operates the city's public transportation system.
What they’re saying
“Raymond didn't choose to be murdered. He chose to get home to his family. And he never made it because it wasn't security on the trains to handle the situation.”
— Marquettia Johnson, Wife of CTA shooting victim
“At least send their condolences. It's happening too much for you not to recognize it or address it.”
— Marquettia Johnson, Wife of CTA shooting victim
“I was overwhelmed by their grief, their loss.”
— Lester Barclay, CTA Board Chairman
What’s next
The CTA Board has submitted a revised security enhancement plan to the Federal Transit Administration after the first plan was rejected. The revised plan includes a 75% increase in monthly system policing hours, aggressive crime reduction targets, and expanded social service support. The CTA Board chair signaled the plan seems to be headed for approval, but said there is still a lot of work to be done.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges the CTA faces in providing a safe and secure public transit system for riders. It also underscores the need for transit agencies to offer support and acknowledgement to victims' families in the aftermath of violent incidents on their systems.
