GOP leaders speak out following ambush of ex-Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines: 'Shameful behavior'

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GOP leaders are calling for those involved in the ambush of decorated former NCAA Division 1 swimmer Riley Gaines to be "held accountable," after the 12-time All American collegiate athlete said she was physically attacked following a speaking engagement at San Francisco State University on Thursday night. 

Gaines, a former swimmer at Kentucky University who has been an advocate for women’s rights amid an ongoing debate surrounding transgender athlete participation, posted a video to social media showing a group of protesters surrounding her after delivering a speech at a Turning Point USA and Leadership Institute event that took place on San Francisco State’s campus.

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines speaks during a rally on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, outside the NCAA Convention in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

She said in a tweet that she was "ambushed and physically hit twice by a man," and was eventually escorted out by law enforcement. 

WOMEN'S GROUP SLAMS AMBUSH OF EX-KENTUCKY SWIMMER RILEY GAINES AT SAN FRANCISCO STATE: 'ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS'

Republican leaders have since condemned the incident and called for those involved to be held accountable. 

"San Francisco State University and law enforcement must take immediate action to hold those who assaulted Riley accountable," Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital Friday. "We will not allow the violent radical left mob to silence us."

"This is truly shameful behavior," Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., added on Twitter. "Riley Gaines has done nothing more than speak out about the dangers of allowing biological men to compete in women's