Trans athlete debate turns ugly: Riley Gaines assaulted at SFSU event

Image Credit - Getty Images

Sat, April 8, 2023

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, said she was attacked on Thursday at San Francisco State University.

Image Credit - Getty Images

Gaines went to the school to share her opinion against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, as stated in the event announcement.

Image Credit - Getty Images

"One person physically attacked me by striking me twice, hitting my shoulder and grazing my face," Gaines informed CNN's Natasha Chen.

Image Credit - Getty Images

"The remaining protestors swarmed and trapped me until campus police intervened and helped me move out," she added.

Image Credit - Getty Images

In a video posted by Gaines, security officers surrounded her while she moved quickly.

Image Credit - Getty Images

The video captured a protester shouting "trans rights are human rights," but it was unclear whether an assault took place since the footage was shaky and inconclusive.

Image Credit - Getty Images

The university police department stated that they are investigating the incident, and no arrests were made regarding the event.

Image Credit - Getty Images

The police statement said that the disturbance happened after the event, which forced them to transfer the speaker to a different and safer place.

Image Credit - Getty Images

They also added that they are still gathering more information and working with the community to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone.

Image Credit - Getty Images