COEUR D’ALENE, ID – The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has addressed its involvement in an incident during a town hall event on Saturday, February 22, at Coeur d’Alene High School. The office stated that no deputies or personnel were involved in the situation.

The event, organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, became disorderly when Post Falls resident Teresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed by three plainclothes security personnel after allegedly disrupting the speakers. Borrenpohl, a Democrat and former state legislative candidate, was cited for misdemeanor battery after reportedly biting one of the men attempting to remove her.

Video footage shows Sheriff Robert B. Norris informing Borrenpohl that she needed to leave or be escorted out. Subsequently, three unidentified men approached her, leading to a physical confrontation as she resisted removal.

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, while the sheriff’s office confirmed that an independent review will be handled by an outside agency.

The incident has garnered significant attention, with discussions about the handling of the situation by law enforcement and event organizers.

Source: Associated Press, “Idaho town hall meeting turns chaotic after woman is forcibly removed for heckling speakers,” February 24, 2025. AP News.