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• A private security firm, LEAR Asset Management, had its business license revoked by the city of Coeur d’Alene after its guards dragged a woman out of a town hall meeting.
• The woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, was initially cited for battery but the charges were later dismissed due to new evidence.
• The incident highlights concerns over free speech and the use of private security at public events.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

A legislative town hall meeting in Coeur d’Alene turned chaotic when Teresa Borrenpohl, a Post Falls resident, was dragged out by guards from LEAR Asset Management for heckling legislators. The city has since revoked the security firm’s business license and dismissed battery charges against Borrenpohl.

Core Players

• Teresa Borrenpohl – Post Falls resident involved in the incident
• LEAR Asset Management – Private security firm whose license was revoked
• Coeur d’Alene Police Department – Conducted the investigation and recommended the license revocation
• Kootenai County Republican Central Committee – Organized the town hall meeting

Key Numbers

• $245,000 – Amount raised by a GoFundMe campaign for Borrenpohl’s legal fight
• 3 – Number of LEAR Asset Management guards involved in the incident
• February 24, 2025 – Date of the incident and initial citation
• February 25, 2025 – Date the city revoked LEAR Asset Management’s business license and dismissed charges

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The incident began when Borrenpohl started heckling legislators during a town hall meeting organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee at the Coeur d’Alene High School auditorium. When she refused to leave, a Kootenai County sheriff took her arm, and three plainclothes guards from LEAR Asset Management intervened, dragging her out of the auditorium.

The guards attempted to tie her hands with zip ties, and Borrenpohl bit one of the guards during the altercation.

Inside Forces

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department, which had officers stationed outside due to a reported threat, was not called into the building until after the guards had removed Borrenpohl. Initially, based on limited information, Borrenpohl was cited for battery. However, after reviewing video recordings, city prosecutors decided to dismiss the citation.

The city also investigated LEAR Asset Management and found that the guards were in plainclothes without any visible identifiers, violating Coeur d’Alene city ordinances.

Power Dynamics

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights, including the right to free speech. The decision to revoke the security firm’s license reflects the city’s stance on ensuring that security agencies comply with local regulations.

Outside Impact

The incident has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the use of private security at public events. A GoFundMe campaign has raised significant funds for Borrenpohl’s legal fight, indicating broad support for her.

The revocation of LEAR Asset Management’s business license sends a strong message about the city’s commitment to public safety and adherence to laws governing security agencies.

Future Forces

The incident may lead to stricter regulations on private security firms operating in public spaces. It also highlights the need for clearer guidelines on handling disruptions at public events while respecting citizens’ rights to free speech.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that there will be further scrutiny of the role and conduct of private security firms in similar contexts.

Data Points

• February 24, 2025 – Date of the town hall meeting and incident
• February 25, 2025 – Date the charges against Borrenpohl were dismissed and LEAR Asset Management’s license was revoked
• 3 – Number of security guards involved in dragging Borrenpohl out
• $245,000 – Amount raised by the GoFundMe campaign for Borrenpohl’s legal fight