A town hall meeting in Kootenai County turned violent when a woman was forcibly removed by unidentified security personnel after voicing opposition to legislative proposals. The incident, which took place at Coeur d'Alene High School, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
What Happened?
The event was organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee and featured Sheriff Bob Norris and other local lawmakers discussing policy issues.
During a discussion on Medicaid expansion, Teresa Borrenpohl, a well-known local activist and former Democratic candidate, attempted to challenge statements made by speakers. Witnesses say that while she was vocal, she was not acting aggressively or threateningly.
🔹 Unidentified security personnel approached Borrenpohl after she spoke out.
🔹 She was told to leave but refused, citing her right to participate in the discussion.
🔹 The men then grabbed her, wrestled her to the ground, and physically carried her out of the auditorium.
In videos circulating online, Borrenpohl can be heard repeatedly asking the men to identify themselves, saying she feared she was being kidnapped.
“I didn’t know if I was being arrested by the sheriff’s office or if I was being kidnapped.” – Teresa Borrenpohl
Who Were the Security Personnel?
Following the incident, the Coeur d'Alene Police Department confirmed that the individuals involved were private security contractors from LEAR Asset Management, not law enforcement officers.
LEAR Asset Management is a private security firm that has been hired in the past to work at political events. Their role at this town hall, however, was not publicly disclosed in advance, raising concerns about who authorized their involvement and under what authority they acted.
Reaction & Fallout
The violent removal of Borrenpohl has ignited a broader debate on free speech, the use of private security at public events, and law enforcement accountability.
Police Chief Lee White criticized the actions, stating that excessive force was not necessary.
Local politicians and advocacy groups have called for an investigation into the use of private security at public meetings.
Sheriff Bob Norris defended the removal, claiming that Borrenpohl was disruptive and ignored requests to leave.
Meanwhile, Borrenpohl was cited for misdemeanor battery after one of the security guards alleged that she bit him during the struggle. She denies the accusation and has called for legal action against those who removed her.
What’s Next?
🔹 Possible legal action – Borrenpohl and her legal team are considering filing a lawsuit for excessive force and civil rights violations.
🔹 Increased scrutiny of private security at public meetings – Lawmakers and legal experts are questioning why unidentified contractors were allowed to remove a citizen from a public forum.
🔹 Community response – Activists and community members have planned a protest outside the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office demanding accountability.
The Kootenai County town hall incident has become a flashpoint for debates on democracy, free speech, and the role of law enforcement in public spaces.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain: Who authorized the security firm? Was the removal legal? And most importantly—was Borrenpohl’s right to speak violated?