Six Charged After Idaho Town Hall Removal Incident

Six men, mainly from Lear Asset Management, have been charged with misdemeanor battery, false imprisonment, and violations of security agent duties after forcibly removing Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, from a Republican town hall in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in February. The private security firm has since lost its city license, and the men allegedly failed to identify themselves or wear proper uniforms during the incident, which was attended by about 450 people. Borrenpohl, who was dragged out after questioning Republican officials, has filed a $5 million tort claim alleging constitutional violations and naming Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. The event has generated national attention as a potential First Amendment issue. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office has pledged an independent investigation, but court documents detailing the charges have not yet been released. The case underscores tensions over free speech and private security at public political events.