Riley Gaines, activists say they were spat on, attacked by protesters at ceremonial bill signing in Texas

Independent Women's Network’s Round Rock chapter leader Michelle Evans was cursed at by protesters in Texas at the ceremonial signing for the "Save Women’s Sports" bill.

Former NCAA Division 1 athletes Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan were among those who were targeted by "hostile" protesters that gathered in Texas on Monday in opposition of the "Save Women’s Sports Act." 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was joined by Gaines and Scanlan at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University in Denton for a ceremonial signing of the bill, which was previously signed into law in June. 

Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, gained prominence for speaking out when she was forced to compete against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022.  (August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Go Nakamura)

But according to those in attendance, protesters that gathered at the event threw items and spat at those who gathered in support of the legislation. 

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Independent Women's Network's Austin chapter leader Michelle Evans told Fox News Digital after the event that she was assaulted when she left the building to observe the protest, which she estimated to be a crowd of around 250. 

"It was — I guess the best word to describe them was they were rabid. 

A group of protesters gather outside the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University in Denton for a ceremonial signing of the "Save Women's Sports Act." (Independent Women's Voice)

"When I turned around to go back inside of the building, that's when somebody threw water on me," Evans recalled.  "Somebody told me they know where I f---ing live. There was somebody that got in front of