Private security guards face charges for forcibly removing woman from town hall meeting

In February 2025, a woman named Theresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed from a legislative town hall meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, by private security guards. Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, was attending the meeting hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, which drew a crowd of roughly 450 people. During the event, there were moments of shouting and chaos, with Borrenpohl reportedly participating in the disruptions. The incident escalated when she was approached by plain-clothed security guards who attempted to remove her without identifying themselves or explaining their actions. Video footage from the event shows Borrenpohl asking for identification from her assailants, who were not in uniform, as they forcibly grabbed her. The confrontation led to her hair being pulled and accusations of assault. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris intervened briefly but then began recording the incident rather than stopping it. Following the event, the sheriff's office issued a statement clarifying that no deputies were involved and that the Coeur d'Alene Police Department would conduct a criminal investigation. As a result of this incident, six individuals connected to the private security firm Lear Asset Management now face misdemeanor charges. Among those charged are Paul Trouette, Russell Dunne, Christofer Berg, and Jesse Jones—who face multiple counts, including battery and false imprisonment. A fifth man, Alex Trouette IV, was charged with security agent duty violations. A sixth man, Michael Keller, who was not associated with the firm, also faces misdemeanor battery charges. The security firm lost its license after the incident. In light of the events, Borrenpohl has expressed her alarm over the use of private security in public meetings and has indicated her intent to file a lawsuit against Kootenai County officials. She emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for public discussions to foster a culture of discourse rather than silencing differing opinions. This incident highlights growing tensions in politically divided communities, especially as individuals express their right to free speech in public forums.