Justice Department Reviews Stadium Clash After Pro-Women Activists Ejected at Portland Thorns Game
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a review into a physical confrontation at a professional women’s soccer match in Portland, where stadium authorities forcibly ejected a group of activists advocating for sex-segregated sports after they were surrounded and struck by opposing spectators.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a Portland Thorns match, when a contingent of approximately 20 women unfurled a banner reading “Save Women’s Sports” at halftime. The demonstrators also wore XX-XY t-shirts, an apparel brand centered on the message that female athletic categories should be reserved strictly for biological women.
Video footage captured from the stands shows the activists suddenly surrounded by an angry crowd of pro-trans spectators. During the escalating confrontation, at least one spectator swung a flag at the pro-women demonstrators as both sides shouted at each other.
“We were attacked by fans. We were hit with flags,” said Amy Sousa, one of the co-organizers of the demonstration.
Following the clash, stadium security personnel intervened by forcibly removing the pro-women activists from the venue.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed that federal authorities are examining the episode. “The Justice Department is aware of these reports and will review the matter thoroughly. Where the facts and the law warrant action, the Department will not hesitate to act,” the spokesman stated.
A federal official further noted that investigators are specifically examining potential First Amendment implications surrounding the incident. “Based on what is known so far, the conduct described appears to raise viewpoint discrimination and First Amendment questions rather than sex discrimination,” the official said.
Sousa organized Sunday’s demonstration alongside political commentator Brandi Kruse. The two organizers previously led rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, whose public statements over the summer regarding the exclusion of biological men from female athletic divisions drew sharp criticism from various players, coaches, and progressive activists.
The XX-XY apparel worn by the demonstrators has frequently sparked friction at athletic venues. In a separate incident in July, teenage girls wearing the brand and holding a sign thanking Cunningham for speaking out reported being confronted by Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, who allegedly cursed at them and told them they were insane.
Cunningham addressed the controversy in an ESPN profile published in July, defending her position. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham said. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
The Justice Department’s review remains ongoing as federal officials continue to evaluate the circumstances of the confrontation and the actions taken by stadium authorities.
