Riley Gaines Discusses Threats and Advocacy for Women’s Sports
Women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines revealed that the death threats she’s received have escalated to the point where she covers her newborn daughter with a bulletproof blanket.
The 25-year-old former collegiate swimmer recently gave birth to her first child, Margot, and made an appearance during Supreme Court arguments regarding a case that could potentially prevent transgender women from participating in women’s sports.
Gaines expressed that having Margot with her highlighted the drastic changes in her life since stepping into the public eye, along with the risks tied to her controversial advocacy. She shared her feelings during a segment on Fox News’ “Outnumbered.”
“She was with me on the steps of the Supreme Court,” Gaines mentioned. “It’s a lot to deal with, especially knowing that a three-month-old baby has to be wrapped in a bulletproof blanket because of threats I faced.”
Infant bulletproof blankets typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on their protective capabilities and materials.
Products like these, along with bulletproof backpacks and portable Kevlar shields, have gained attention in light of recent mass shooting events and targeted attacks.
Gaines humorously noted that Margot “goes with him everywhere,” having already traveled to 16 states and even met former President Trump.
“One day she’s going to be very dangerous with two truths and one lie,” she joked.
During the Supreme Court hearing, Gaines criticized the Democratic Party and their stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, particularly referring to a brief signed by 130 Democrats supporting the athletes’ case.
“They might think they’re sending a message to Trump, but really, they’re sending a message to my little girl,” she asserted.
Gaines rose to fame after voicing her concerns about the NCAA allowing transgender swimmer Leah Thomas to compete against women. She has since become a prominent voice against transgender participation in women’s sports.
The Supreme Court heard arguments in two significant cases: Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. BPJ. Around 30 states, including Idaho and West Virginia, have passed legislation banning transgender students from competing on women’s teams, though these laws were temporarily halted due to successful legal challenges by transgender athletes in recent years.
During the hearings, the justices discussed whether Title IX, the foundational federal law against sex discrimination in education, pertains to these inclusion issues. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing both transgender athletes in the case.
Before the hearing, Gaines told Fox News’ “Faulkner Focus” that those opposing the Save Women’s Sports initiative are negatively impacting girls like her daughter. “The past three months have shifted my views on so much,” she said, reflecting on how priorities can change. “My daughter will be with me tomorrow on the steps of the Supreme Court, the very people we’re advocating for.”
