Cape News

Rep. Jason Smith, U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 8th district, shared a series of posts on October 7, 2025, addressing the deaths of two local law enforcement officers and commemorating the anniversary of a major international event.

In a post made at 14:40 UTC, Smith wrote, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Deputy Holden Duckworth of the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Duckworth dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of our community. A true public servant who put others before himself. My prayers are".

Later that day at 19:56 UTC, Smith addressed another loss in Missouri law enforcement, stating, "Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety in the line of duty. This is an unimaginable loss to the City of Sikeston. Office Franklin died doing what he devoted his life to, serving his community and https://t.co/ptXCVsGmdJ".

Between these posts, Smith also marked an international anniversary. At 15:55 UTC, he wrote, "It’s been 2 years since the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel that killed over a thousand innocent civilians. We will never forget this barbaric attack against the Israeli people and never stop fighting back against the global spread of antisemitism."

Smith has represented Missouri’s 8th district in Congress since 2013 after succeeding Jo Ann Emerson. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013. Born in St Louis in 1980, Smith is currently 42 years old and resides in Salem. He holds a BS from the University of Missouri (2001) and a JD from Oklahoma City University (2004).