DOJ reviewing Portland Thorns incident after women’s sports supporters attacked, forcibly removed by security: report

A department spokesperson told OutKick, "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."

Another DOJ official told the outlet, "Based on what is known so far, the conduct described appears to raise viewpoint discrimination and First Amendment questions rather than sex discrimination. The Department is reviewing it."

The confrontation at Providence Park involved women wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel, a brand that advocates keeping women’s sports reserved for biological females. Commentator Brandi Kruse said her group remained peaceful while other spectators attacked them—and questioned why stadium staff forcibly removed the women instead.

“We peacefully wore our shirts. We were assaulted by fans. Then WE were forced to leave,” she wrote on X.

Kruse identified a woman leading the fan section who wore a shirt displaying knife imagery alongside the words “Protect trans kids.” Video and pictures from the game showed the woman encouraging the crowd against Kruse's group and leading chants about burning opposing teams alive.

“All while she wears her shirt threatening violence and leads fans in chants about burning opposing teams alive,” Kruse wrote.

Another attendee alleged that spectators hit members of the group with transgender flags over their shirts. Video from the incident showed a male fan shoving a 57-year-old lesbian wearing XX-XY apparel, causing her to fall over two rows of chairs. The woman filed a police report.

When security ordered Kruse to leave, she refused, maintaining that she had done nothing wrong. A guard warned that she would be physically escorted out. Video shows a guard restraining her arm behind her back before a second guard joins in and the pair lift her from the seating area.

Kruse said spectators displaying opposing messages were allowed to remain. XX-XY Athletics condemned the incident, accusing women’s professional sports venues of excluding apparel that supports women’s sports.

The confrontation also reached a reporter covering it. Video showed a security guard pulling OutKick journalist Matt Calkins’ press credential from his chest. Calkins also had his phone knocked from his hand, and beer poured on his neck by the rabid mob while inside the stadium.

Kruse credited Portland police with helping her group afterward, distinguishing officers from the stadium staff responsible for the removals. “They are providing us some safety while fans leave. I am grateful,” she wrote.

Sergeant Kevin Allen of the Portland Police Bureau told OutKick, "Off-duty PPB officers are routinely hired to work at professional games and other events at various venues in Portland, and there were several at the Thorns game last night. PPB officers were not involved in any removals. They were called in when some individuals were refusing to leave and laying down, blocking an exit. When asked by police officers, the individuals agreed to leave. Outside, in an effort to promote public safety, officers did separate two groups with opposing viewpoints for a short time."

He added, "Two potential crimes were reported, case numbers 26-309064 (alleged harassment) 26-309306 (alleged vandalism). No one reported any injuries to police, and no injuries were visible. No immediate arrests were made or citations issued. The incidents are under investigation. Officers were wearing and activated BWCs according to PPB policy."