On May 27, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly demanded that California prevent a transgender high school girl, AB Hernandez, from competing in the state's high jump finals. Hernandez, 16, has qualified for the high jump, long jump, and triple jump at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) track and field finals. The CIF supports participation according to students' gender identity, in line with California's anti-discrimination laws.

Incident Overview

At approximately 6:00 PM BST, a grey Ford Galaxy entered Water Street—closed to traffic for the parade—and accelerated into the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported the vehicle striking and dragging several individuals before coming to a halt. As bystanders attempted to confront the driver, the vehicle accelerated again, causing further injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, treating 20 people at the scene and transporting 27 to local hospitals. Four individuals remain in critical condition.

Trump's Stance and Threats

President Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, calling the situation "demeaning to women and girls," and threatened to withhold federal funding unless the state complies. However, legal experts note that the president lacks authority over state decisions like this.

California's Response

The CIF announced a pilot program to allow more female athletes to compete in this week's track and field championships. Events will have separate scoring for transgender athletes. Governor Newsom's office expressed support for this approach, stating it is a reasonable and respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness.

Legal and Social Implications

This incident highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender athletes' participation in sports. Legal experts suggest that such executive actions may face significant challenges, as courts have had mixed responses to similar state bans. The ultimate resolution may rest with the Supreme Court, which has yet to make a definitive ruling on the matter.

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