Conservative swimmer Riley Gaines says she was “ambushed and physically hit” Thursday night during a speaking event at San Francisco State University.
Gaines competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, born William Thomas, during the NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. Thomas, who broke multiple records on the women’s team but ranked only 467th on the men’s, tied for 5th place with Gaines. Since the competition, Gaines has spoken out against what she says is an unfair advantage that biological men hold over women in athletic competitions. (RELATED: ‘Why Were You Looking’ At Lia Thomas’ Penis? College Student Asks Riley Gaines)
“The prisoners are running the asylum at SFSU,” Gaines wrote on Twitter. “I was ambushed and physically hit twice by a man. This is proof that women need sex-protected spaces.”
Video shared by Gaines shows her being led through the school as an angry mob follows her. At one point, a person walks backwards in front of Gaines, shouting, “trans rights are human rights.”
The prisoners are running the asylum at SFSU…I was ambushed and physically hit twice by a man. This is proof that women need sex-protected spaces.
Still only further assures me I’m doing something right. When they want you silent, speak louder. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/uJW3x9RERf
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) April 7, 2023
🚨VIOLENT LEFTIST MOB RUSHES @Riley_Gaines_ AT @TPUSA EVENT AT @SFSU 🚨@tpusastudents @charliekirk11 @realamber_k96 #SaveWomensSports #WhatIsAWomen #TPUSA #TurningPointUSA pic.twitter.com/MBK0rlUvLA
— David Llamas (@davidllamas_) April 7, 2023
A second video of the incident taken by a third party shows security escorting Gaines out of the building. Demonstrators carried transgender flags and signs that read “trans women are real women” and “trans lives matter.”
This isn’t the first time that Gaines’ appearance on a college campus has sparked backlash from political opponents. Democratic state Rep. La’Tasha Mayes called on University of Pittsburgh President Patrick Gallagher to cancel a speaking event at the school in March. Nearly 200 protesters rallied in a blocked-off intersection for an hour and a half to protest Gaines’ speech.
San Francisco State University did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment.