Rep. Adam Smith, a U.S. Congressman representing Washington’s 9th district since 1997, posted a series of statements on January 8, 2026, addressing concerns about law enforcement accountability and commemorating the anniversary of a mass shooting involving former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
In his first post at 15:15 UTC, Smith criticized the Trump administration’s approach to law enforcement, stating: “The Trump administration is enabling excessive, unnecessary, and deadly force to innocent people with no accountability. ICE had no reason to shoot and kill Renee Good yesterday in Minnesota.”
Later that day at 16:53 UTC, Smith reflected on the fifteenth anniversary of the shooting of Gabby Giffords in Tucson: “15 years ago, my friend Gabby Giffords was shot in an unspeakable act of political violence that claimed six lives outside of a Tucson supermarket. I look to Gabby as a courageous, strong leader who continues to honor those lost that afternoon and speak out against senseless”
At 19:16 UTC on the same day, Smith again addressed issues related to law enforcement under former President Donald Trump’s administration: “Trump has approached law enforcement with no accountability, no rules, and no responsibility, and the result was the tragic shooting in Minnesota yesterday.”
Smith’s remarks follow his long tenure in public service; he began serving Washington’s 9th District in Congress after replacing Randy Tate in 1997 and previously served in the Washington State Senate from 1991 to 1997. Born in Washington D.C. in 1965 and currently residing in Bellevue at age 57, Smith holds degrees from Fordham University (BA) and the University of Washington (JD).
