Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines delivered a powerful testimony at a Senate hearing titled "Protecting Pride: Defending the Civil Rights of LGBTQ+ Americans." She criticized San Francisco law enforcement for their handling of a protest at San Francisco State University (SFSU) where she spoke in April. Gaines claimed she was "held for ransom" by protesters and that officers prioritized appearing as "allies" to the protesting community over ensuring her safety.

Gaines' testimony also addressed her experience competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Senator Josh Hawley questioned Gaines about the incident at SFSU, asking what her speech entailed that provoked such a reaction. Gaines explained she simply recounted her personal experiences competing against a male athlete during her senior year, along with the experiences of her teammates and competitors. She emphasized that while she respects the right to protest, the situation escalated into violence.

Gaines described how protesters stormed the room, extinguished the lights, and assaulted her at the podium before effectively holding her hostage.

The incident stemmed from Gaines' participation in a "Save Women's Sports" event hosted by Turning Point USA, where she voiced her concerns about transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Gaines' husband, Louis Barker, previously stated that she informed him she was assaulted multiple times while under police protection. Both San Francisco law enforcement and SFSU police have not commented on the matter.

In her testimony, Gaines also discussed the experience of sharing locker rooms and podiums with Thomas. Responding to Senator Dick Durbin's question about the message her stance sends to transgender individuals, Gaines countered by asking what message is sent to women and young girls who are denied opportunities and whose privacy and safety are disregarded.

Gaines, a vocal advocate for women's sports and Title IX protections, shared that she has faced constant criticism and accusations of transphobia, homophobia, racism, and even being labeled a domestic terrorist. She maintains that these labels are used to silence her and others who share her views.