A fiery town hall in Coeur d’Alene has exploded into a national legal battle over free speech, police authority, and political bias. Teresa Borrenpohl is suing the Kootenai County sheriff and local GOP officials for allegedly violating her rights after she was dragged out of a Republican event.
Legal Fallout Targets County Officials
The February 22nd meeting, hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, turned chaotic when Borrenpohl repeatedly interrupted speakers while protesting the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Security officers from Lear Asset Management—working under the direction of Sheriff Bob Norris—physically removed her. According to reports, Borrenpohl bit one of the guards during the struggle, and Sheriff Norris was seen filming the altercation while defending the decision to eject her.
Soon after, Coeur d’Alene police recommended charges against five security officers for battery and false imprisonment. Several charges have now been filed. The city also revoked Lear Asset Management’s security license after it was revealed their staff failed to properly identify themselves, a key procedural failure that’s now central to Borrenpohl’s lawsuit.
Idaho woman asked Republican legislators not to cut Medicaid — she was wrestled to ground & dragged out of town hall.
"Look at this little girl over here, everyone. Look at her!" the speaker pointed.
"Women deserve a voice!" Teresa Borrenpohl cried as 3 unidentified men dragged… pic.twitter.com/hMtiiaDcFM
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) February 23, 2025
Her civil claim names Sheriff Norris, KCRCC chairman Brent Regan, emcee Ed Bejarana, and the security firm, demanding $5 million in damages.
Borrenpohl’s attorney, Wendy Olson, stated, “Today is the first step in the civil legal system for pursuing justice for Teresa… Officials obstructed her constitutional rights and physically assaulted her in the process.”
Rights or Recklessness?
In a public statement, Borrenpohl defended her actions: “Town halls are meant for open conversation. I was dragged out for simply speaking up.” Her lawsuit is drawing national attention, with supporters flooding her GoFundMe page—raising over $330,000 to date.
DOES SHE DESERVE TO GET PAID?
Teresa Borrenpohl, the woman who was dragged from an Idaho Town hall, is now seeking $5 MILLION from the sheriff's department and private security who dragged her out of the meeting.
Your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/9gYe74LapH
— Lovable Liberal and his Old English sheepdog (@DougWahl1) April 23, 2025
Meanwhile, critics say the lawsuit is an attempt to weaponize free speech claims to excuse disruptive behavior and undermine local law enforcement. As the case heads to court, it will test the boundaries between lawful protest and maintaining public order—a fight that may define future town halls across America.