The former NCAA swimmer that spoke out against biologically-male swimmers competing in female leagues was ambushed on a college campus this week. The attack on Riley Gaines follows several high-profile interviews, including with Tucker Carlson on Fox News.
The incident took place at San Francisco State University (SFSU) following a speech Gaines gave to that college’s chapter of Turning Point USA. Gaines spoke about the importance of keeping gender-specific sports within that particular gender.
Gaines said that the presentation was “very civil and respectful” and even “had a great dialogue” with protesters.
Then the lights went out.
Gaines was confronted by protesters and was forced into a different classroom for three hours because the campus police did not want to confront the protesting students. Gaines said that city police arrived and were able to get her off campus.
Since the attack, Gaines vows that she will not be “silenced.”
SCARY: Violent Trans-Activists hold Riley Gaines HOSTAGE for 3 HOURS
Riley’s crime? Wanting to keep Men out of Women’s sports.
Speaking about basic biology could have cost Riley her life.
What’s happening to our world? pic.twitter.com/mEozrLbWUH
— Matt Schlapp (@mschlapp) April 8, 2023
“This does not deter me. This assures me that I am doing the right thing,” she said.
Gaines received significant media attention for speaking out about a male-born swimmer competing in NCAA tournaments. This performative disadvantage allowed Lia Thomas, born Wiliam Thomas, to dominate against the female-born swimmers.
According to the female swimmers, Thomas exposed male genitalia to them.
The attack on the swimmer also led to an outpouring of support from various Republican officials.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) said that the swimmer “has done nothing more than speak out about the dangers of allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports, and is met with violence. Unacceptable.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) said that she stood with “Riley and her message: biological men should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.”
Gaines also received considerable support from newly-elected Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), who said that “Riley should be applauded for defending the rights of girls and young women across America to compete fairly and safely. Political violence has no place in the United States.”
Britt called on the attackers to be “held accountable.”
