A legislative town hall meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, spiraled into turmoil recently when private security personnel forcibly removed a female heckler, igniting controversy and prompting multiple investigations.
Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, was physically removed Saturday from the Republican-hosted event at Coeur d’Alene High School after repeatedly interrupting speakers. Video footage of the confrontation quickly spread online, showing three plainclothes security officers grabbing Borrenpohl as she resisted removal.
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee chairman, Brent Regan, defended the action, stating that all 450 attendees were warned that security was present and disruptive individuals would be removed. According to Regan, Borrenpohl had been warned at least three times to stop interruptions before security intervened.
“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 explained.
Witnesses paint a different picture. Tonya Coppedge, who recorded the incident, described the removal as “pretty violent and traumatic.” She claimed the security personnel refused to identify themselves when asked. The confrontation escalated when Borrenpohl reportedly bit one of the men on the hand as he grabbed her.
Alicia Abbott, Borrenpohl’s friend who organized a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $120,000 for legal expenses, questioned the security team’s authority: “Who were these people to detain Teresa in the first place?”
The security personnel worked for LEAR Asset Management, a private security company based in Hayden, Idaho. Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White has requested revocation of the company’s business licenses, noting they violated city ordinances by not wearing properly marked uniforms.
The city attorney’s office dismissed a misdemeanor battery citation against Borrenpohl “in the interest of justice,” and detectives are now reviewing whether the security officers violated any laws. Additionally, Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson announced an independent investigation by an outside agency.
The heightened security presence was reportedly arranged after one lawmaker, Republican Rep. Jordan Redman, received death threats on social media.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights growing tensions at public political events and raises questions about appropriate security measures and free speech boundaries at town halls.
Read more: Idaho town hall meeting turns chaotic after woman is forcibly removed for shouting at speakers
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