A masked protester was arrested at the California state high school track-and-field championships this past weekend after using a Progress Pride flag as a weapon during a confrontation.
Ethan Kroll, 19, was taken into custody Friday on charges including assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, obstructing a public officer, and vandalism under $400, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He was released on Saturday evening.
The incident came to light after a viral video captured by Josh Fulfer, a crowd-funded reporter, showed Kroll attacking a demonstrator. Fulfer had been protesting against the participation of trans athletes in female sports, specifically targeting AB Hernandez, a trans athlete who won gold in the girls high jump and triple jump at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state finals.
Fulfer told Fresno’s Fox affiliate that he was peacefully protesting when Kroll suddenly approached and began striking at him with the flagpole through his car window. Following advice from his wife, Fulfer used pepper spray on Kroll to stop the attack, after which Kroll vandalized the car by hitting the roof and door.
Police arrived swiftly after the incident, with officers seen jumping a fence to apprehend Kroll. Fulfer sustained bruises and scrapes in the altercation.
Authorities are continuing their investigation. Attempts to reach Kroll or his attorney were unsuccessful, and no attorney was listed by the sheriff’s office.
Regarding the meet itself, AB Hernandez competed under a new CIF policy allowing multiple winners in events involving trans athletes. Hernandez shared first place in the high jump with Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle, all clearing 5-foot-7. She also co-won the triple jump and took second place in the long jump.
The CIF introduced this rule in response to Hernandez’s performances, permitting an additional athlete to compete and medal in affected events.
