Six men have been charged with misdemeanors after forcibly removing Idaho activist Teresa Borrenpohl from a town hall meeting, igniting a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for free speech at public events.
At a Glance
- Six men face misdemeanor charges including battery and false imprisonment for forcibly removing Teresa Borrenpohl from an Idaho town hall meeting
- Borrenpohl has filed a tort claim notice indicating her intent to sue Kootenai County officials
- Five of the charged men worked for Lear Asset Management, whose security license was revoked following the incident
- The February 22 incident at Coeur d’Alene High School was captured on video showing security personnel dragging Borrenpohl out during a discussion on abortion
Chaotic Town Hall Turns Violent
The heated confrontation occurred on February 22 at Coeur d’Alene High School during a town hall meeting hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. Approximately 450 people attended the event, which quickly became contentious with audience members both cheering and jeering throughout the proceedings. The situation escalated when Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, was forcibly removed by security personnel while Republican state Rep. Tony Wisniewski was speaking about abortion.
Video footage of the incident shows Borrenpohl being confronted by several men who did not identify themselves or wear uniforms identifying them as security. When she questioned their authority, asking “Who are you?” and “Excuse me, Sheriff Norris? This gentleman is assaulting me. Is this your deputy?”, the men proceeded to physically drag her from the venue. The confrontation has raised serious questions about security protocols at public events and the limits of enforcement at town halls.
Legal Consequences Mount
Following an investigation by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, six men now face criminal charges for their roles in Borrenpohl’s removal. Five of these individuals worked for Lear Asset Management, a private security firm whose license was revoked after the incident. The charges include misdemeanor battery, false imprisonment, and violations of security agent duties and uniform requirements. A sixth man, Michael Keller, who is not associated with the security firm, also faces a misdemeanor battery charge.
“Town halls are intended to foster conversation and discourse across the aisle, which is why I am deeply alarmed that private security dragged me out of the public meeting for simply exercising my fundamental right of free speech.”, said Theresa Borrenpohl.
The case has drawn significant attention because it occurred at a public civic event where citizens typically expect to exercise their First Amendment rights. Court documents related to the charges have not been made public, and the prosecutor’s office has declined to provide further comment on the case. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has distanced itself from the incident, confirming that none of their personnel were involved in Borrenpohl’s removal.
Officials Respond to Public Outcry
In the aftermath of the incident, Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson announced that there would be a “complete and independent investigation of the incident conducted by an outside agency.” This statement came as public pressure mounted following the widespread circulation of video footage showing Borrenpohl being physically restrained on the ground outside the venue. Sheriff Bob Norris, who was present at the event in plain clothes, reportedly asked Borrenpohl to leave before private security intervened.
Borrenpohl has now formalized her response by filing a tort claim notice, indicating her intent to sue Kootenai County officials over the incident. In her public statements, she has emphasized the importance of accountability and protecting free speech rights at public forums. The case highlights ongoing tensions in many communities regarding the boundaries of political discourse and the enforcement mechanisms used at public meetings. As legal proceedings continue, the outcome may set important precedents for how security is managed at similar events in the future.