Marquettia Johnson, wife of a CTA shooting victim, stood before the CTA Board to demand accountability and increased safety. After all, her husband, Raymond Harrison was murdered on their unsafe transit system.
CTA Shooting: A Journey Home Cut Short
Raymond Harrison wasn’t looking for trouble two days before Christmas; he was simply trying to get home to his family.
Near the Washington and Wells station in the Loop, a confrontation erupted when an armed individual reportedly took a weapon from another passenger and opened fire. Raymond never made it home.
“Raymond didn’t choose to be murdered,” Johnson told board members. “He chose to get home to his family. And he never made it because there wasn’t security on the trains to handle the situation.” – Cry of A Widow
Her testimony highlighted a devastating reality for many commuters: the feeling that safety is often left to chance.
Beyond the lack of security, Johnson expressed deep frustration over the CTA’s silence following the incident, noting that the agency had failed to even offer condolences to her grieving family.
Leadership Responds to the Outcry
Chairman Lester Barclay admitted that hearing directly from those impacted by transit crime is a rare and sobering experience. He acknowledged the agency’s need for better communication and empathy, stating:
“I was overwhelmed by their grief… There are ways you can pick up the phone and say, ‘I’m sorry for your loss.’”
CTA Shooting: Reclaiming Safety Proposal
As the CTA faces mounting pressure to protect its riders, a revised security enhancement plan has been submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
While an initial plan was previously rejected, Board Chair Barclay signaled that the updated version appears to be moving toward approval.
The new proposal includes several aggressive measures aimed at reclaiming safety on the rails:
- Massive Patrol Increase: A 75 percent boost in monthly policing hours across the system.
- Data-Driven Targets: Strict goals for crime reduction to ensure accountability.
- Holistic Support: Expanded social service initiatives to address the root causes of transit issues.
Faith Amidst the Struggle for Justice
While the CTA works through federal red tape to implement these changes, scripture reminds us of Adonai’s warning of ignoring and mistreating the widow and fatherless:
22 “You are not to abuse any widow or orphan.
23 If you do abuse them in any way, and they cry to me, I will certainly heed their cry.
24 My anger will burn, and I will kill you with the sword – your own wives will be widows and your own children fatherless.
Adonai Elohim, Exodus 22:22 (CJB)
I pray for the peace and comfort of the Harrison family and the safety of our city. The Lord is near Marquettia Johnson during this time.
“ADONAI is next to the brokenhearted, delivering those whose spirit is crushed.”
Tehillim (Psalms) 34:19 (34:18 CJB):
Source: Jordan, K. (2026, April 14). Wife of CTA shooting victim calls for more security: ‘Raymond didn’t choose to be murdered’. WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago.
