Riley Gaines Speaks Out Following Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Orem, Utah – Riley Gaines, a conservative commentator and friend of the late Charlie Kirk, shared her experience with campus violence in light of Kirk’s tragic assassination. Gaines spoke to Fox News on how right-wing speakers are increasingly at risk on college campuses.

Gaines recalled a 2023 event at San Francisco State University hosted by Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded. She described how trans activists attacked the gathering, forcing her to hide in a classroom as university police failed to intervene.

“I was disoriented, fists were flying in my face,” Gaines said, recounting the chaos during the protest. The former NCAA swimmer expressed her fear for her safety and criticized the police response, stating they did not act against the hostile crowd.

“Protesters demanded money if I wanted to see my family again,” Gaines revealed. In her distress, she pleaded with an officer to help her escape, but he responded that it was selfish of her to prioritize her safety.

Three hours later, Gaines was finally rescued when the San Francisco Police Department arrived, but she voiced disappointment at seeing the same campus police present during Kirk’s later events.

Gaines noted that accountability was lacking for those who allowed such violence to occur. “Nothing was done to the students or campus police,” she added, signaling a broader issue of safety for conservative speakers in academic environments.

The political climate escalated after Kirk was shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University, following controversial remarks he made. His suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, believed to have links to leftist ideologies, surrendered after the shooting.

Now, as the aftermath settles, Gaines worries that colleges may disinvite conservative speakers, fearing they could become targets. “I’m afraid for my life, especially as I’m about to have a baby girl,” she said.

Gaines expressed a profound sense of loss for her mentor, Charlie Kirk. She praised his unique ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, saying, “Charlie made them feel seen,” and anticipates his legacy will inspire others to be courageous.