Six Men Are Charged After Woman Was Dragged From Idaho Town Hall

The plainclothes guards were involved in the forcible removal of a woman from a meeting hosted by local Republicans in Coeur d’Alene, prosecutors said.

On February 22, 2025, a legislative town hall meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, descended into chaos when Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, was forcibly removed by plainclothes security personnel after voicing dissent during the proceedings. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has sparked national debate over First Amendment rights, the use of private security at public events, and the appropriate conduct of law enforcement officials.​Inlander+13AP News+13Seattle Post-Intelligencer+13Idaho Capital Sun+1Inlander+1

The Incident

During the town hall, attended by approximately 450 people, Borrenpohl interrupted speakers to express her opposition to certain legislative positions. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, present in plain clothes with a visible badge, approached Borrenpohl, identified himself, and requested that she leave. Upon her refusal, Norris stepped back and began recording as three unidentified men, later confirmed to be employees of Lear Asset Management, a private security firm, forcibly removed Borrenpohl from the auditorium. She was dragged out, during which she reportedly sustained bruises and, in an act she described as self-defense, bit one of the men. ​AP NewsInlander+12AP News+12San Antonio Express-News+12Inlander+1Coeur d'Alene Press+1

Legal and Administrative Actions

Initially, Borrenpohl was cited for misdemeanor battery due to the biting incident. However, after reviewing video evidence, the Coeur d'Alene City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the citation, citing a strong self-defense claim. ​Coeur d'Alene Press+13Idaho Capital Sun+13Daily Inter Lake+13AP News+6Moscow-Pullman Daily News+6Inlander+6

Subsequently, six men were charged with misdemeanor offenses related to the incident. Five of them, affiliated with Lear Asset Management, faced charges including battery, false imprisonment, and violations of security agent duties and uniform requirements. The sixth individual, not associated with the security firm, was charged with misdemeanor battery. ​Daily Inter Lake+10AP News+10East Idaho News+10

In response to the security personnel's failure to wear clearly marked uniforms as required by Coeur d'Alene city ordinances, the city revoked Lear Asset Management's business license. ​San Antonio Express-News+12Moscow-Pullman Daily News+12East Idaho News+12

Broader Implications

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the use of private security at public events, especially when such personnel are not properly identified. It also highlights the potential for abuse when law enforcement officials delegate authority to private individuals without clear protocols.​AP News+6Daily Inter Lake+6Seattle Post-Intelligencer+6

Borrenpohl has filed a tort claim notice, signaling her intent to sue Kootenai County for violations of her free speech rights. She has retained attorney Wendy Olson, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, to represent her. ​fox28spokane.com+13AP News+13Daily Inter Lake+13Coeur d'Alene Press+1Inlander+1

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department has announced an independent investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and uphold constitutional protections. ​

Public Reaction

The forceful removal of Borrenpohl has sparked widespread public outcry. A crowdfunding campaign to support her legal expenses has raised over $330,000, reflecting national concern over the suppression of free speech. ​Daily Inter Lake+5Coeur d'Alene Press+5Inlander+5

Civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have emphasized that the government cannot suppress speech simply because it is unpopular or disruptive, reinforcing the principle that public forums must remain open to diverse viewpoints.​Inlander

Conclusion

The events at the Coeur d'Alene town hall serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights, especially in public forums intended for civic engagement. As investigations proceed and legal actions unfold, the incident underscores the need for clear guidelines governing the conduct of both law enforcement and private security personnel to prevent future violations of civil liberties.​AP News+6Inlander+6East Idaho News+6