Jason Smith

“There wasn't an attempt by himself to lay hands on anyone,”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Capt. Jason Smith explained that Hughes did not attempt to physically touch anyone during the incidents.

“He didn't brandish any weapon, although in the case of the jogger, he did have his right arm behind his back, implying that he had a weapon, but at no point in time did he furnish a weapon.”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Capt. Jason Smith addressed whether Hughes brandished a weapon during the encounters.

“Make no mistake: Compliance with a congressional subpoena isn't optional, and the Committee will use all tools it has available to investigate whether foreign actors are exploiting our tax code to sow chaos and create division,”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Jason Smith defended the congressional investigation into the Singham-linked nonprofits.

“After months of delay, I am disappointed but not surprised to see yet another attempt by tax-exempt organizations connected to Shanghai Singham to evade scrutiny. Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right. When organizations that receive generous taxpayer-funded benefits refuse to comply with lawful congressional oversight about potential foreign influence, the American people have every right to know what they are hiding. And we will continue pushing until the truth is uncovered.”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Jason Smith criticized the nonprofits for attempting to evade congressional scrutiny.

“The victim is absolutely terrified of Mr. Hughes,”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20

Smith described the reaction of the first victim confronted by Hughes.

“He crouches down with his hands up in a pleading motion. We don't know exactly what was said... but it's readily apparent that this individual is certainly in fear for their life. So then Mr. Hughes proceeds to make his way down Chestnut Street, harassing additional people.”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20

Smith explained the victim's fearful reaction and Hughes's subsequent movements down Chestnut Street.

“his own sick personal amusement”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20

Smith offered his belief about Hughes's motive for the incident.

“I believe that he was doing this purely for social media content - either A, for his own sick personal amusement, or B, he had plans of posting it online at some point, and possibly monetizing it,”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Captain Jason Smith discusses the suspected motive behind the masked suspect's actions.

“Underneath that Chucky-style Halloween mask, he's got a black, COVID-style mask, which he never removes,”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20

Smith described how Hughes wore a second mask underneath the Chucky-style mask to conceal his identity.

“It's going to require extensive medical treatment, from what I understand, in order to treat the injuries that she has sustained,”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Captain Jason Smith comments on the extent of the jogger's leg injuries.

“Before they spot him, he is running around attempting to engage other people and scare them down in Suburban Station as well.”

Jason Smith · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20

Smith described Hughes's behavior inside Suburban Station before officers spotted him.

“He has a tendency to travel back and forth to the West Coast -- California, the L.A. area -- but also Las Vegas. And he would be for employment reasons,”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Captain Jason Smith addresses suspect Zymire Hughes's travel habits and ties outside Pennsylvania.

“He was able to accost a good many of people, most of which haven't come forward yet.”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Capt. Smith commented on the number of people the masked suspect had accosted.

“This happened right outside of City Hall, so you think we're not going to do our darndest to try and locate this individual?”

Jason Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Captain Smith commented on the police effort to identify the masked suspect who terrorized people near City Hall.