WASHINGTON – Rep. Adam Smith of Tacoma, the top-ranked Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, is applauding the killing of Moammar Gadhafi, saying his death will prevent “the slaughter of thousands of Libyans.”

“Gadhafi’s days as a tyrant are over,” Smith said today. “While the Libyan people broke free of Qaddafi ‘s violent, oppressive grip months ago, his demise punctuates the end of a reign of terror, and marks the beginning of a brighter future for the Libyan people. “

Gadhafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years, was killed Thursday by revolutionary forces.

“The news today allows the National Transitional Council, with the continued support of the international community, to focus its full attention on creating a unity government forged through the will and consent of all of the Libyan people,” Smith said. ““I applaud the Obama Administration and the international community for aiding the Libyan people in their quest for freedom.”