Born: November 3, 1987 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Biography:
Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart; born November 3, 1987) is an American child safety activist and commentator for ABC News. She gained national attention at age 14 when she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell. Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, held Smart captive for nine months until she was rescued by police officers on a street in Sandy, Utah. Smart has since become an activist and advocate for missing persons, using her own harrowing experience to raise awareness and promote safety measures.
Elizabeth Ann Smart was born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Edward Ed and Lois Smart. Raised in a devout Mormon family, Elizabeth was the second-oldest child among five brothers and one sister. She attended Bryant Middle School and East High School in Salt Lake City before enrolling in Brigham Young University, where she pursued her passion for music and earned a Bachelor of Music in harp performance.
On the fateful night of June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart’s life took a tragic turn. She was snatched from her bedroom at knifepoint, leaving her family and community in shock and disbelief. For the next nine months, she endured unimaginable horrors. Smart was subjected to daily rape, tied up, and threatened with death if she tried to escape. Her resilience and strength were put to the ultimate test during this harrowing ordeal.
Finally, on March 12, 2003, Elizabeth Smart was miraculously rescued by police officers on a public street in Sandy, Utah, just 18 miles from her home. Two witnesses recognized her abductors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Ileen Barzee, from an episode of America’s Most Wanted. Mitchell and Barzee were swiftly apprehended, and justice was served.
Following her traumatic experience, Elizabeth Smart emerged as a beacon of hope for countless individuals affected by similar tragedies. She bravely shared her story and used her platform to advocate for missing persons, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, education, and prevention. Smart’s testimony before the United States Congress was instrumental in the passage of sexual predator legislation and the strengthening of the AMBER Alert system.
Her unwavering commitment to protecting children from predators was acknowledged by former President George W. Bush, who invited Smart and her mother, Lois, to the signing of the PROTECT Act of 2003. Smart’s advocacy efforts extended beyond the United States, as she traveled to various countries, spreading awareness about child abduction and advocating for better safety measures globally.
Elizabeth Smart’s life and abduction have been the subject of numerous non-fiction books and films, contributing to public discourse on child safety and the resilience of survivors. Her courage in sharing her harrowing experience has inspired countless individuals and has given a voice to those who often go unheard.