Female inmate sues Washington state after alleged attack by male-born prisoner in women’s facility
A female prisoner washington state is suing corrections officers after she says she was brutally attacked by a male-born inmate held at a women’s prison under the state’s gender-identified housing policy.
Faith Booher-Smith in prison Washington Correctional Institution for WomenShe alleges in a federal lawsuit that she was subjected to a “violent attack” by inmate Christopher Williams, a convicted sex offender who was transferred to prison after identifying as a woman.
The August 2025 assault occurred in a common area where Williams allegedly approached Booher-Smith from behind, struck her in the face, grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground before “kicking her repeatedly,” according to the complaint.
He suffered visible injuries, including facial bruising, swelling and a laceration to the inside of his mouth, the filing states.
A man in handcuffs stands behind prison bars.
(Getty Images)
The lawsuit, sponsored by the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and backed by the America First Policy Institute, argues that the attack was the foreseeable consequence of a policy that allowed the release of prisoners. hosted by gender identity rather than biological sex
” housing these male prisoners “It has led to numerous cases of violence and sexual abuse against female inmates,” the complaint states.
At the heart of the case is Washington’s so-called “gender affirming housingThe process allows male inmates to be transferred to women’s facilities and, in some cases, share cells, bathrooms and showers with female inmates, according to the application.
The complaint alleges that the policy relies heavily on self-identification and that there are limited objective requirements for transfer.
Williams, described in the application as a “biologically intact” male who is 6 feet tall, and convicted child sex offenderHe was transferred to the women’s facility despite prior concern about his behavior, according to the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges that a prison official at a previous prison warned against the transfer because of Williams’ history of violence, and those warnings were ultimately ignored.
Booher-Smith said she noticed Williams was watching her in the weeks before the incident and tried to avoid him. He claims the attack happened suddenly while he was heating food and he had little chance of defending himself.
The lawsuit also raises questions about the staff’s response, alleging that a corrections officer who was present at the time froze during the attack and did not intervene.
According to the filing, Booher-Smith reported continued pain, as well as anxiety and trauma, following the attack and stated that she has since sought treatment for the emotional impact of the attack.
Reagan-appointed judge orders injunction to return two transgender inmates to women’s prisons
Seeks compensation and court decision obstruct politicsIt argues that subjecting female inmates to unsafe conditions violates the Constitution.
The lawsuit argues that the incident was not isolated, claiming that women at the facility were “physically assaulted, threatened, intimidated, or sexually harassed by male inmates housed with them.”
He also argued that state officials were wary of potential risks associated with the policy, pointing to previous complaints and legal filings involving other inmates.
“In a prison environment where inmates cannot escape the conditions imposed by the state, women are forced to live every waking moment at a dangerous disadvantage,” the complaint states. The statement is included.
National Review previously reported He said Williams was accused of sexually abusing female inmates and had a history of violent behavior, as well as a previous conviction involving a minor.
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The publication also reported that another inmate had filed a complaint with the Department of Corrections. Rape The Elimination Act alleges misconduct by Williams, and prison officials have said aspects of those allegations have been substantiated.
The Washington Department of Corrections told Fox News Digital it does not comment on pending litigation. The agency also confirmed that Williams was transferred from the Washington Correctional Center for Women last October and was incarcerated at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the ACLU of Washington and the America First Policy Institute for comment.
Original article source: Female inmate sues Washington state after male-born inmate was allegedly assaulted at a women’s facility
