Idaho Woman Forcibly Dragged from Town Hall Meeting by Private Security

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An Idaho woman says her right to free speech was violently "stripped" away when she was forcibly removed by three unidentified men at a town hall led by a local Republican committee, who described the woman as disruptive. The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee identified Teresa Borrenpohl as a woman who was on video being dragged out of the committee's town hall Saturday. In a Facebook post, the committee said Borrenpohl "shouted down legislators with insults" and disrupted the town hall several times before being asked to leave.

Video of the incident posted online showed the moments before the altercation where the host of the event appeared to scold audience members who were "popping off" with "stupid remarks." A woman, now identified as Borrenpohl, shouted "is this a town hall or a lecture" multiple times in response. The video showed a man with a sheriff's hat tell the woman to leave or be arrested. The man identified himself as Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris. "We're asking you to leave on video, please get up or be escorted out," Norris said in the video. Borrenpohl refused to leave and Norris pulled at her arm multiple times in an attempt to remove her. He then instructs men wearing black clothing to remove her.

In the video, Borrenpohl repeatedly asked the men who they were, but they did not answer. Norris was seen a few steps away holding a phone, apparently filming the incident as the men in black grab at Borrenpohl. She also asked Norris if they were deputies, but he did not respond. Norris shouted at her to go as she called out accusing the men of assaulting her. Borrenpohl was then physically dragged out of her seat and onto the floor. The incident has sparked concerns about the use of private security firms and the potential for violence against citizens who exercise their right to free speech.

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is investigating the incident and has revoked the business license of the private security firm involved, Lear Asset Management, for violating city ordinances. The police department says the investigation is complex and detectives are working to recognize all rights afforded by the United States Constitution to all citizens, including the right to free speech. The incident has also sparked a debate about the role of private security firms in public events and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Here are some key points about the incident: * The incident occurred at a town hall meeting organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee * Teresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed from the meeting by private security personnel * The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is investigating the incident * The business license of the private security firm involved has been revoked * The incident has sparked concerns about the use of private security firms and the potential for violence against citizens who exercise their right to free speech

The incident has also raised questions about the balance between maintaining order at public events and protecting the rights of citizens to free speech and assembly. The City of Coeur d'Alene has released a statement supporting the efforts of the police department and reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens. The incident is a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that public events are safe and respectful for everyone involved.