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Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist, commentator, and kidnapping survivor from Salt Lake City, Utah.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist, commentator, and kidnapping survivor from Salt Lake City, Utah. She was abducted from her home in 2002 at age 14, held captive for nine months, and rescued in 2003. She later became an advocate for survivors of sexual violence and missing persons.

Early life

Elizabeth Smart was born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Public sources identify her as Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart).

Kidnapping and rescue

Smart was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City on June 5, 2002, when she was 14 years old. She was held captive for about nine months before being rescued in Sandy, Utah, on March 12, 2003, after being recognized by passersby.

Brian David Mitchell was convicted of kidnapping and related federal offences and received a life sentence. Wanda Barzee also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for her role in the abduction.

Advocacy and public work

After her rescue, Smart became a well-known advocate for victims of sexual violence, child safety, and missing persons. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011 and has served as a commentator for ABC News.

Key facts

  • Abducted from her home in Salt Lake City on June 5, 2002, at age 14 and held captive for nine months.
  • Rescued on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah, after being recognized by passersby.
  • Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee were convicted for the kidnapping and related crimes.
  • Smart became a public advocate for missing persons, child safety, and survivors of sexual violence, founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011.
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Canadian context

Elizabeth Smart’s case is widely known in Canada through international news coverage, documentary programming, and public discussions about child abduction, survivor advocacy, and sexual violence prevention.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Elizabeth Smart?
Elizabeth Smart is an American kidnapping survivor and child safety activist best known for surviving a 2002 abduction from her Salt Lake City home.
When was Elizabeth Smart kidnapped?
She was abducted on June 5, 2002, at age 14.
When was Elizabeth Smart rescued?
She was rescued on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah.
Who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart?
Brian David Mitchell kidnapped her; Wanda Barzee was also involved in the crime.
What does Elizabeth Smart do now?
She works as an advocate for survivors of sexual violence and missing persons and has served as a commentator and public speaker.
Did Elizabeth Smart found an organization?
Yes. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Smart
    Supports: Basic biographical details, occupation, abduction, rescue, and advocacy work
  2. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/us/elizabeth-smart-kidnapping.html
    Supports: Abduction date, rescue date, current advocacy, family details, and foundation reference
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/elizabeth-smart-fast-facts
    Supports: Fast facts on Smart's kidnapping, rescue, and public role
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-11972498
    Supports: Kidnapping case details and conviction of Brian David Mitchell
  5. Elizabeth Smart Foundation — https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/in-the-news/elizabeth-smart-twenty-years-abc
    Supports: Smart's own organization and retrospective on her abduction