The Republican Legislative City Hall Conference in northern Idaho fell into chaos after three mediocre security guards forced the woman to surround the speaker.
First reported Saturday incident at Coeur D'Alene High School Coeur D'Alene Pressattracted extensive attention after the turbulent video was posted online. More than $120,000 has now been raised for Teresa Borrenpohl's legal costs, and the police chief is asking for the security company to revoke the business license.
Coeur D'Alene Police Chief Lee White has dismissed the City Attorney's Office's misdemeanor battery quote “in the interest of justice” against Borrenpohl, and detectives will decide whether security guards have violated the law. He said he is reviewing the video.
Around 450 people attended the Legislative City Hall, hosted by the Cootenai County Republican Central Committee, said Brent Regan, the organisation's chairman. They were all told that security guards were present and that “anyone who refuses to respect the rights of others will be removed from the event.”
Still, the video shows cheers and jealousy were occasionally erupting in the crowd. Includes when a lawmaker said that doctors were protected from being forced to have an abortion.
“The woman is dying,” shouted one of the audience. “And the doctor is leaving our state!” another cried. Moderators tried to quiet the crowd and scolded people for “popping out with stupid remarks.”
That's when Borenpole, a failed democratic legislative candidate in deep Republican areas, began to scream as well.
“Is this a town hall or a lecture?” she asked, others in the audience reflecting the question.
By that point, Borenpole had been warned at least three times to stop the speaker interruption, Regan said.
“We are trying to respect the rights of the 450 people there to listen. One person can't stand up to stop the entire event,” says Regan.
Cootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, wearing regular clothes, a badge on his belt, approached Borenpole. He introduced himself and told her to leave or she would be escorted. The sheriff then retreated and as three unidentified men approached and began grabbing Boren Paul, they began recording them on their cell phones.
Tonya Coppej, who sat behind Borenpole and filmed a video of the disruption of her phone, said the man had rejected repeated requests to identify herself. One of the men bent Borenpole's wrists into a bent position, and later Borenpole continued to grab her, biting one of the men in her hand, Coppejge said.
“They weren't very kind to her. It was pretty violent and traumatic,” Coppej said.
Borenpole's friend Alicia Abbott organized a gofundme on her behalf, and said Borenpole had bruises from the incident. She suggested that Borenpole was mistakenly taken into custody.
“Who were these people who were detaining Teresa in the first place?” Abbott asked. “This is not the first time I've seen this kind of security exist at public meetings or at city halls. If they're going to lock people up, do they even have knowledge of the law? They're going to eliminate people safely. Are you trained to do it?”
The man worked for Lear Asset Management, a private security company based in Hayden, Idaho. Messages left to CEO Paul Tourette were not immediately returned. The man appeared to be in violation of Coeur D'Alene City ordinance. This requires that wearing the uniform with the word “security” is clearly marked “with letters of at least one inch on the front of the uniform.”
Police Chief White told The Associated Press that he requested the revocation of the company's business and security agent licenses from the individuals involved.
Organizers arranged additional security at the event after one lawmaker said he was facing death threats, Regan said. Rep. Jordan Redman, a Republican, had recently been threatened by a personal bombing on social media, so KCRCC notified the sheriff and arranged for safety, Regan said. Coeur D'Alene police station had officers stationed in the parking lot outside.
On Monday, Cootenai County Rep. Brett Nelson issued a statement that he would “have a complete and independent investigation of cases carried out by external agencies.”
