WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a candid interview on NewsNation’s On Balance Thursday, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) acknowledged past mistakes in Seattle’s crime policies and urged both Democrats and Republicans to take crime seriously while rejecting extreme approaches like military-style crackdowns in cities.
Acknowledging Policy Failures
Smith, who represents Washington’s 9th Congressional District, said that while crime is not unique to Democratic-led cities, Seattle has faced challenges that require reflection and adjustment.
“I’ve been working out here in Seattle, Washington and elsewhere to make some changes in the policy for greater accountability, greater personal responsibility,” Smith said. “Mistakes were made, and I think we ought to acknowledge those.”
He emphasized that while Democrats must avoid downplaying the issue of crime, the nation should also recognize that cities governed by Republicans face similar struggles.
Crime Is Not Partisan
Smith pointed out that Republican-run cities are not immune to rising crime. He specifically mentioned Oklahoma City, which, he noted, has a higher violent crime rate than Washington, D.C.
“There are at least a dozen Republican-run cities that also are struggling with crime,” Smith said. “So this is not just about which party controls city hall—it’s about making sure our policies actually keep people safe.”
Rejecting Federal Overreach
The congressman also criticized the Trump administration’s recent federal takeover of policing in the District of Columbia, where military checkpoints and federal patrols have become commonplace.
“The thing about Trump, though, is they’re setting up checkpoints in Washington, D.C. Do Americans want that in their cities?” Smith asked.
He raised concerns about the presence of the military performing law enforcement duties in urban neighborhoods, warning that such measures erode civil liberties and create an atmosphere of fear rather than safety.
Call for More Police, Greater Accountability
While critical of federal intervention, Smith made clear that he supports stronger local law enforcement presence and reforms that emphasize accountability.
“I would love to see more police. I would love to see a lot more people enforcing the law,” Smith said. He argued that effective policing should focus on community trust, transparency, and personal responsibility rather than militarized tactics.
The congressman has pushed for adjustments to Seattle’s approach, stressing the need for balanced reforms that both address concerns about over-policing and ensure that residents feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Balancing Reform and Safety
Smith noted that while criminal justice reform remains essential, it should not come at the expense of public safety. He said Democrats should not dismiss concerns about rising crime rates, which are real for residents across the country.
“I don’t agree with Democrats who say, ‘Oh, crime’s not a problem, we shouldn’t pay attention to it,’” Smith said. “We should. And we need to do a better job on it.”
By acknowledging mistakes, Smith suggested, Democrats can strengthen credibility with voters who feel crime has been overlooked or minimized in political debates.
A National Challenge
The congressman concluded by underscoring that the challenge of crime is national, not partisan. Cities across the United States, regardless of political leadership, need better strategies to address violence, theft, and disorder.
“We need to do a better job at dealing with crime in cities across this country,” Smith said. “I have said that. And I don’t agree with Democrats who say crime isn’t a problem. It is. And we need to do a better job on it.”
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