Coeur d’Alene Town Hall Incident Sparks Outcry Over Security Actions

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A heated legislative town hall meeting on February 22, 2025, descended into chaos when private security personnel forcibly removed Teresa Borrenpohl from the auditorium. City prosecutors later announced they would dismiss a misdemeanor battery citation against Borrenpohl, who had heckled legislators during the event, organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

The incident unfolded at Coeur d’Alene High School and has raised serious concerns about the actions taken by the security firm LEAR Asset Management, whose employees were seen dragging Borrenpohl out of the meeting. According to a release from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, prosecutors stated they moved to dismiss the charge against Borrenpohl in the interest of justice.

Witnesses reported a tumultuous atmosphere during the town hall, where residents expressed opinions on various legislative topics. Borrenpohl shouted, “Is this a town hall or a lecture?” after feeling that dissenting voices were not being acknowledged. In response, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris approached her, leading to the subsequent events where security personnel intervened.

“Nobody was telling people cheering to stop cheering, but any time there was a negative reaction, we were scolded,” said Borrenpohl in an interview. “I felt comfortable expressing displeasure because people were openly showing appreciation for the legislators.”

Footage captured during the event shows Sheriff Norris attempting to remove Borrenpohl after she refused to leave her seat. The sheriff reportedly warned Borrenpohl about using pepper spray if she didn’t comply.

A surrounding crowd responded with confusion as Borrenpohl was physically handled by the unidentified security guards. “Nobody knew who these people were that were assaulting her,” said Tamara Sines-Kermelis, a witness to the incident. Witnesses noted Borrenpohl was thrown to the ground, restrained, and not clearly identifiable as she was removed.

In light of the incident, Coeur d’Alene Police Department officers stationed outside due to a threat against a separate state legislator were alerted only after Borrenpohl had been dragged from the auditorium. Police later cited Borrenpohl for battery based on initial accounts, which suggested she bit one of the security guards. However, after reviewing video evidence, prosecutors announced they would dismiss the citation.

The city of Coeur d’Alene has since revoked LEAR Asset Management’s business license for failing to comply with city ordinances requiring security personnel to wear clearly marked uniforms. City officials noted that the guards were dressed in plain clothes without any visible identification.

Mayor Woody McEvers addressed the matter in a statement, insisting on adherence to the law and the protection of citizens’ rights. “We support the efforts of our Chief of Police and department personnel in investigating the incident involving a citizen that occurred at the Legislators Town Hall Meeting,” McEvers stated.

Borrenpohl, a known critic of local GOP officials and a former legislative candidate, expressed her dismay at being removed. “It was really violent and really traumatic,” she said. “I felt my civil rights were stripped from me in that moment in a really embarrassing way.” She also noted that she sought medical attention after the encounter due to visible bruising.

The Kootenai County GOP issued a statement blaming Borrenpohl for the disruption, claiming she had interrupted speakers multiple times. However, observers noted that only dissenting voices faced repercussions during the event. In a broader commentary on the matter, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea stated, “If we can’t question leaders elected to represent us without fear of reprisal, we are not free.”

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department continues to investigate the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting First Amendment rights in public forums while also looking into the protocols followed by law enforcement and security during the event.