The legislative town hall meeting hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee at Coeur d'Alene High School erupted in chaos on Saturday afternoon as audience member Teresa Borrenpohl found herself forcibly removed by security after voicing concerns over Medicaid expansion.
The incident began when Borrenpohl, who is from Post Falls and has run for legislative positions as a Democrat, attempted to engage with several Republican legislators on stage. After making remarks about potential Medicaid repeals, Borrenpohl was asked to leave. When she refused, chaos ensued.
Footage of the incident, shared widely on social media, captures the moment Sheriff Bob Norris confronted Borrenpohl, stating, "Get up or be arrested." The sheriff’s ultimatum was met with Borrenpohl's passionate response, "Women deserve a voice!" which reverberated through the auditorium as she was dragged from her seat by three unidentified security personnel.
Ed Bejarana, the event’s emcee, made light of the situation, prompting boos from the audience. He commented on Borrenpohl, exclaiming, "Look at this little girl over here, everyone." The audience soon erupted with frustration, questioning the event's format: "Is this a town hall or a lecture?"
While some members of the audience rallied behind Borrenpohl, holding signs declaring messages such as "Save Voter-Approved Medicaid," others cheered the organizers’ stance. Ed DePriest, who witnessed the events, described it as "a microcosm of what has been going on in the last three to five years," referring to the growing political divisiveness.
The Idaho Democratic Party quickly issued a statement condemning the incident and underscoring the importance of First Amendment rights. Chair Lauren Necochea emphasized, "If we can’t question leaders elected to represent us without fear of reprisal, we are not free." She criticized the organizers for their handling of dissent, stating, "Idaho deservesbetter" and calling the event out for stifling dialogue.
Eyewitnesses recounted the events leading up to the dramatic removal. Borrenpohl herself later recounted feeling "dumbfounded" when Sheriff Norris, dressed casually, approached her and suggested he could pepper spray her. Personal accounts from attendees, including distress over the actions of the security personnel, painted a grim picture of the event. They described the scene as chaotic, with loud dissent met with aggression from the stage.
Local police confirmed the mixed-up identities of the security personnel, which were hired through LEAR Asset Management, leading many attendees to question their legitimacy. Police Chief Lee White noted unease over the use of plainclothes guards at such public and politically sensitive events, reinforcing the need for visible security to maintain trust.
The altercation sparked broader discussions about political norms and people’s rights to engage with their elected officials. Some attendees expressed concerns over what they viewed as increasing hostility toward dissenters within local politics.
Despite some measure of order being restored, the aftermath of the event left many attendees shaken. Calls for accountability from both local law enforcement and the Kootenai County GOP leadership are intensifying. The backlash against the handling of the town hall has led to discussions within the community about the integrity of political discourse and the safety of engaging with public representatives.
Moving forward, questions linger over not only what happened at the town hall but how similar events will be managed. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious balance between public engagement and the ethos of free speech – foundational to the American democratic process.