• Six men are charged after forcibly removing a woman from a town hall meeting in Idaho.
• The woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, intends to sue local officials over the incident.
• The security firm involved had its license revoked post-incident.
• Charges include battery, false imprisonment, and violations of security agent duties.
• The altercation has raised concerns about free speech at political events.

Six men are facing charges regarding the February 2025 incident where Teresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed from a town hall meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted the meeting, which became chaotic as Borrenpohl confronted speakers, resulting in her being escorted out by private security personnel. The Coeur d’Alene Prosecutor’s Office has charged four men—Paul Trouette, Russell Dunne, Christofer Berg, and Jesse Jones—with misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment.

Alex Trouette IV has been charged with uniform and duty violations, while Michael Keller, not directly associated with the security firm Lear Asset Management, faces similar charges of battery. The private security firm involved lost its business license due to the incident, following complaints that they were not wearing identifiable uniforms at the event, which violated city ordinances.

At the meeting, videos captured the altercation, showing Sheriff Bob Norris approaching Borrenpohl and instructing her to leave. Local law enforcement authorities have since agreed to conduct a complete and independent investigation into the incident due to the significant public outcry. Afterward, Borrenpohl expressed horror at being removed for exercising her right to free speech, emphasizing that town halls should foster public discourse.

In a formal response, Borrenpohl indicated her plans to sue Kootenai County, notifying officials of a potential lawsuit related to the incident. This case raises essential questions about the role of security personnel in political gatherings and the safeguarding of citizens' rights to free speech and public assembly.