Portland, Ore. – After a Friday night match at Providence Park, security staff forcibly escorted Seattle podcaster Brandi Kruse and several companions out of the Portland Thorns stadium. The group was wearing shirts from XX-XY Athletics, a brand that advocates that sports categories remain based on biological sex.
Video shows forceful removal
Kruse posted video showing a female security guard grabbing her arm, twisting it, and pushing her up the stairs and out of the stands. Other fans waving trans flags shouted vulgar insults while some struck the group with flags. In the clip Kruse repeatedly asks why she is being removed, insisting she purchased a ticket and did nothing illegal.
Other attendees also targeted
Additional members of the group reported being hit with flags and shoved. A 57‑year‑old woman was forced down two rows of seats, and a detransitioner named Ari Laureano shouted back at the aggressors, calling the attacks “castrating”.
Security’s rationale and DOJ response
Stadium officials have not released a detailed explanation for the removal, but the incident has drawn the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice. A statement carried by Fox News quoted the department: “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.”
Political backdrop: Initiative 638
Kruse is a vocal supporter of Initiative 638, a statewide ballot measure that would prohibit biological males from competing in girls’ sports. The measure is backed by Let’s Go Washington (LGW), which issued a statement condemning the treatment of “girls’ rights” supporters at the game and urging voters to back I‑638.
LGW’s Hallie Herzberg wrote, “The treatment seen over the weekend for people who want to stand up for girls’ rights is unacceptable. All year we have seen supporters, high school athletes, parents, coaches and families attacked, targeted, harassed, bullied and even sued for standing up for fairness in girls’ sports. Enough is enough. If you’re tired of seeing people attacked for saying that girls deserve safe and fair sports, vote yes on I‑638 with us.”
Previous similar incident
The Friday event follows an earlier episode at the same stadium where another group wearing XX-XY apparel was also asked to leave. Both incidents highlight the growing tension between trans‑affirming fans and those advocating for sex‑based sports categories.
Community reaction
Local residents and fans have expressed mixed reactions. Some argue that stadium security should enforce a neutral environment, while others contend that the removal of a group simply expressing a viewpoint on a contentious policy infringes on free speech and parental‑rights concerns.
What’s next?
The Department of Justice’s review could lead to further action if it finds violations of civil rights or discrimination statutes. Meanwhile, supporters of I‑638 continue to rally for the measure, which will appear on the November ballot.
Portland Thorns have not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
