DOJ Investigates Confrontation at Portland Soccer Match

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an inquiry into an incident at a professional women’s soccer match in Portland, Oregon. Video footage showed supporters of women’s sports being forcibly removed by stadium security after a clash with other spectators. These spectators had flagpoles with pro-transgender messages.

A spokeswoman from the Department stated, “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.” This incident involved Save Women’s Sports activists during a Portland Thorns game on Oct. 23, 2026.

“Based on what is known so far, the conduct described appears to raise viewpoint discrimination and First Amendment questions,” a DOJ official added.

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to the event, reporting two potential crimes. Off-duty PPB officers assigned to the event did not handle the removals but were involved when attendees refused to leave and blocked exits. Sergeant Kevin Allen stated, “Two potential crimes were reported: alleged harassment and alleged vandalism. No immediate arrests were made, and officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.”

The altercation happened during a match against the North Carolina Courage. Approximately 20 spectators unveiled “Save Women’s Sports” banners and shirts at the start of the second half. The organizers included Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, known for supporting rallies for WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

Footage depicted group members being attacked with flagpoles and physically confronted. Sousa later reported the incident to the police, stating, “We were attacked by fans. We were hit with flags.” Security reportedly restrained Kruse and escorted her out, sparking questions about the need for their removal.

OutKick reporter Matt Calkins’s phone was knocked from his hand during the event, and a security guard briefly took his credentials. Jim McCausland, the security director, did not comment.

The stadium, Providence Park, is owned by the City of Portland and operated by Peregrine Sports, LLC. The DOJ is focusing on possible viewpoint discrimination, which entails government restrictions based on specific opinions. Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 242 allows for prosecution if officials deprive someone of a protected right under the color of law. The key question is whether officials influenced the removals based on the attendees’ views.

The DOJ has not charged anyone nor stated the statute for this review. OutKick contacted the Thorns, Peregrine Sports, and city officials for comment but has not received responses. Matt Calkins and Jackson Thompson, sports reporters, contributed to this report.