Inmate Sues Washington State over Assault by Male-Born Prisoner

A female inmate in Washington is taking legal action against prison officials, claiming she was assaulted by a transgender inmate housed in a women’s prison due to the state’s gender identity housing rules.

Faith Booher Smith, currently at the Washington Women’s Correctional Center, asserts in her federal lawsuit that she was attacked by Christopher Williams, a convicted sex offender who identifies as a woman. The incident, which occurred in August 2025, reportedly involved Williams approaching Booher Smith, striking her in the face, dragging her down, and kicking her multiple times. The filing mentions she suffered visible injuries like bruising and cuts inside her mouth.

Booher Smith’s attorney expressed concern for her client, questioning the safety protocols in place: “My client was victimized and caged by a biological male in a women’s prison. What will happen to her rights?”

The lawsuit, supported by the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and the America First Policy Institute, claims the attack was a foreseeable outcome of a housing policy that prioritizes gender identity over biological sex. The complaint argues that allowing male inmates to live with female inmates has resulted in various incidents of violence and abuse.

This legal action points to a Washington state government policy permitting prisoners to apply for “gender-affirming housing,” which enables male inmates to be placed in women’s facilities, often sharing sensitive spaces such as bathrooms and showers. The filing suggests that this policy relies heavily on self-identification without sufficient criteria for transfer.

According to the complaint, Williams, described as a tall “biologically intact” male and a convicted child predator, was moved to the women’s prison despite warnings from staff at his previous facility about his violent past. Those concerns, however, were seemingly ignored.

In the weeks leading to the attack, Booher Smith noticed Williams watching her and attempted to avoid him. The incident occurred unexpectedly while she was preparing food, limiting her ability to defend herself. It raises a concerning issue regarding staff response; an officer present during the assault reportedly did not intervene.

Booher Smith has since experienced ongoing pain, anxiety, and trauma from the event, prompting her to seek psychological treatment. She is requesting a court order to block the policy, arguing it’s unconstitutional to place female inmates in dangerous situations.

The lawsuit highlights that these types of incidents are not isolated. Women in the facility have allegedly faced similar threats and harassment from male inmates. Moreover, there are previous complaints indicating that state officials were aware of the dangers linked to the policy.

In a prison setup where escape from such conditions isn’t possible, the lawsuit asserts, women must endure constant, heightened risk. Allegations against Williams include sexual harassment towards female prisoners, backed by prior complaints under the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

The Washington Department of Corrections has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation but confirmed that Williams was transferred from the Washington Women’s Correctional Center last October and is now at Stafford Creek Correctional Center.