Former NCAA Swimmer Riley Gaines Chased by Trans Activists at Speaking Event

Riley Gaines says she was assaulted by pro-trans protestors during a speaking event at San Francisco State University on Thursday.

The Details: Gaines was booked to speak by Turning Point USA at SFSU, where she said she delivered a “very civil and respectful speech” that included “great dialogue” with protestors. Concluding her speech, the lights were turned off and Gaines claims she was physically assaulted by protestors. A video shows Gaines then walking down a hallway, shielded by police from a pursuant group of protesters, who yelled derogative slurs and “trans rights are human rights” at her. Gaines remained barricaded in a classroom for three hours until city police arrived to escort her off campus.

For Context: Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer, became prominent after objecting to competing against trans female swimmer Lia Thomas in a female division. No arrests were made at the event, and Gaines said she’s now more worried about her safety, but is undeterred to continue speaking.

How The Media Covered It: The story was widely covered by Right rated sources, but scantly covered by Left-rated ones. Fox News’ article was heavily derivative of her TV interview with the network’s host Tucker Carlson (Right bias), and because of that amplified several claims from Gaines herself. The only prominent Left-rated sources AllSides found to cover the story were CNN, CBS News (Lean Left bias), and Mediaite (Lean Left bias). Many right-rated sources highlighted videos from the event. Only Mediaite did so from the Left.