Idaho Woman Claims Forced Removal at Town Hall Violated Free Speech Rights

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A town hall meeting hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee turned chaotic Saturday when three plainclothes security workers forcibly removed Teresa Borrenpohl for allegedly disrupting the event. Videos of the incident have since gone viral, raising questions about freedom of speech and the handling of dissent in public forums.

The altercation erupted during a legislative forum held at Coeur d'Alene High School, attended by roughly 450 people. Borrenpohl, a Democratic candidate who lost in a previous election, was accused by the committee of ”shouting down legislators with insults” and disorderly conduct. According to Chairman Brent Regan, Borrenpohl was warned multiple times about her interruptions.

“We’re trying to respect the rights of the 450 people that were there to listen. One person can’t stand up to bring a halt to the whole event,” Regan stated. The committee said Borrenpohl caused an 18-minute delay during the meeting.

In video footage collected by attendees, Borrenpohl can be seen questioning whether the forum was a town hall or a lecture, drawing attention from both the audience and the event moderators, who attempted to quiet the crowd. At one point, Regan reprimanded attendees who were making “stupid remarks.”

As tensions escalated, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris approached Borrenpohl. The sheriff reportedly asked her to leave or face removal. A video captured Norris appearing to film the encounter as the security personnel, employed by LEAR Asset Management, began their efforts to escort Borrenpohl out.

Witnesses described the removal as aggressive. “They were not very kind to her — it was pretty violent and traumatic,” said Tonya Coppedge, who recorded the incident. “At one point, one of the men bent Borrenpohl’s wrist into a flexed position.”

Borrenpohl’s friend, Alicia Abbott, claimed she suffered bruises during the removal. “Who were these people to detain Teresa in the first place?” Abbott questioned, adding that improper security behavior is not uncommon in public meetings.

In a statement following the altercation, Borrenpohl expressed shock at the incident, stating, “I could have never imagined my right to free speech and my right to assemble could be stripped in such a violent way.” A GoFundMe account created for her legal fees has raised over $94,000.

Numerous political figures have reacted to the event. Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea criticized the organizers for not allowing dissenting voices. “It is a very sad day when a woman who voices dissent is physically grabbed out of a public venue,” Necochea said. “Idaho deserves better.”

Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White confirmed that no citation for trespassing was issued against Borrenpohl, and the city attorney’s office dropped a misdemeanor battery charge related to her alleged biting of a security guard.

In light of the incident, White reported that an independent investigation into the actions of the plainclothes security personnel is underway. “We have to respect everybody’s First Amendment rights, regardless of what side of the aisle you happen to sit on,” he stated.