Wife of CTA Shooting Victim Demands More Transit Security

Marquettia Johnson calls for action after losing husband Raymond Harrison in December 2025 attack.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:11am

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An extreme close-up of a CTA transit token or ticket stub, the harsh flash illuminating the textured metal surface against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty reality of violence on public transportation.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 Today

The wife of a CTA Pink Line shooting victim, Marquettia Johnson, spoke 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 called for more security measures on Chicago's public transit system and criticized the CTA's lack of acknowledgement and support for her family's tragedy.

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.

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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 underscores the urgent need for Chicago's public transit agency to prioritize passenger safety and provide meaningful support to victims' families in the aftermath of violent incidents. Improving security, increasing police presence, and expanding social services are critical steps, but the CTA must also demonstrate empathy and accountability to regain the trust of riders.