Washington state Democrat Rep. Adam Smith says cease-fire activists vandalized home

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., during the House Armed Services markup of the fiscal 2011 defense authorization bill. (Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images)

Washington state Democrat Rep. Adam Smith said his home was vandalized by cease-fire activists. 

In a statement, Smith said his home in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue was targeted Thursday night.  

"Last night, my house was vandalized by people advocating for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. This attack is sadly reflective of the coarsening of the political discourse in our country, and is completely unwarranted, unnecessary, and harmful to our political system," Smith said. 

"Throughout the course of my career, my staff and I have continually met with groups from all parts of the political spectrum, including Pro-Palestinian and left-wing activists, and I remain open to meeting with these groups and discussing our differences and where we can come together in a productive and peaceful way,” he added. “We must engage with politics in this way and reject the rise in political violence that we have witnessed over the past several years."

Other lawmakers have been targeted in vandalism attacks.  

California Republican Rep. David Valadao's Hanford, California office was vandalized by anti-Israel activists on Nov. 27. 

"This morning, my Hanford office was vandalized by anti-Israel protestors. I strongly support the right to peaceful protest, but violence and vandalism are never acceptable. In a democracy, harassment and intimidation is not how you make your voice heard," Rep. Valadao posted on X.