Idaho woman dragged out of Republican town hall for protesting

In Idaho, a Republican town hall meeting turned chaotic when Teresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed by three private security guards on February 22, 2025. The event, hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee at Coeur d'Alene High School, experienced disruptions from Borrenpohl and other activists who challenged state GOP lawmakers on various legislative issues. Borrenpohl, a Post Falls resident and former Democratic candidate for the Idaho House, confronted Representative Ron Mendive during the proceedings, prompting her eventual ejection after multiple requests to leave. The meeting atmosphere escalated as Borrenpohl shouted questions about the nature of the town hall, leading to tensions among attendees. Video footage captured the moments leading to her removal, which included calls from the event's emcee, Ed Bejarana, for her to exit the venue. The situation intensified as security personnel approached her, resulting in her being dragged out of her seat by her arms and ankles. Witnesses reported hearing shouts from the audience, expressing concern for Borrenpohl's safety during the altercation. After the incident, it was disclosed that Borrenpohl was cited for misdemeanor battery, allegedly having bitten one of the guards during the struggle. She was subsequently released from custody. The town hall organizers distanced themselves from the private security firm involved, LEAR Asset Management, claiming ignorance about their hiring. Local police were not present during the incident and later stated that respect for First Amendment rights should be maintained, regardless of differing political opinions. The disruptive nature of the protest reflected broader tensions within local political discourse, with the Idaho Democratic Party condemning the event's organizers for not facilitating constructive dialogue. In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to assist Borrenpohl with her legal expenses, demonstrating community support amid rising concerns over free speech in politically charged environments. This episode serves as a notable indicator of the heightened clashes occurring between opposing political factions in the current landscape. As the situation continues to unfold, further dialogue about the responsibilities of public officials and event organizers in maintaining democratic principles remains imperative, particularly in situations where public participation is challenged or suppressed. This event may lead to lasting implications for how such gatherings are conducted and the broader discussions of civility in public discourse moving forward.