In Your Face! Protests Rock Riley Gaines speech at Portland State University
Pro-Palestine Activists Disrupt Riley Gaines' Speech at Portland State University, Leading to Arrests
It's not every day that a pro-women's rights advocate faces a mob of angry protesters, but that's exactly what happened to Riley Gaines at her speaking event at Portland State University (PSU).
Scheduled to speak alongside Charlie Kirk at the American Comeback Tour, Gaines found herself under fire from a radical pro-Palestinian group, PSU Students United for Palestinian Equal Rights. This conniving crew orchestrated a furor that aimed to shut down her speech and spread transphobic hate.
A Night of Chaos
Portland Police Bureau was forced to arrest at least five agitators near PSU's Memorial Student Union after 8 p.m. Footage shared by journalist Andy Ngo captured enraged protesters attempting to storm the building where Gaines was speaking. The scene was a volatile mix of Portland State University Students for a Democratic Society, Young Democratic Socialists at Portland State, and Class PDX.
The protesters' social media post left no doubts about their intent: "Demand PSU stop promoting trans hate! Turning Point USA is known to promote transphobic, conservative hate. Riley Gaines, a former swimmer and anti-trans speaker, is invited to speak on campus."
Protesters chanted "PSU, STOP PROMOTING TRANSPHOBIA!" and demonstrated their palpable anger towards Gaines, who has garnered controversy for her views against transgender women in women's sports.
Tensions ran high as the police struggled to fend off unauthorized entry. It's often the case that the more aggressive attendees are off-campus visitors, adding fuel to the fire.
When our team reached out for comment from PSU regarding students involved in the protest, we were left hanging. Think about that - a university allowing its students to engage in transphobic acts without any repercussions.
A Familiar Face on the Dark Side
Gaines' college visits have been no stranger to tumultuous protests. Her trip to UC Davis in 2023 is a prime example of the crazy and dangerous protests she has faced, including being barricaded by angry protesters at San Francisco State University in April 2023.
Gaines has been resilient in the face of threats and opposition, even after her life seemed to be in danger. "I feared for my life in that moment, yet she is going to call it peaceful?" Gaines told Dan Dakich from our team. "They were negotiating ransom if I wanted to make it home safely, and she's going to call it peaceful?"
Gaines remains undeterred, prepared to face another round of protests on Tuesday as she continues her crusade with Charlie Kirk at San Francisco State University.
As protests against Riley Gaines continue, it's clear that divisive debates around gender identity and sports participation will not be silenced anytime soon.
(our website contacted Portland State University for comment; no comment has been received.)
Sources:1. KPTV2. New York Post3. Andy Ngo4. San Francisco Chronicle
- The protesters at Portland State University, including members from PSU Students United for Palestinian Equal Rights, PSU Students for a Democratic Society, Young Democratic Socialists at Portland State, and Class PDX, demanded that the university should stop promoting transphobia in connection with Riley Gaines' speech.
- Gaines' previous college visits, such as UC Davis in 2023, have also been met with tumultuous protests, including being barricaded by angry protesters at San Francisco State University in April 2023.
- Gaines has faced threats and danger during these protests, even being negotiated for ransom if she wanted to ensure her safety.
- Education-and-self-development events like Gaines' speeches have turned into general-news items due to the frequent political unrest they cause.
