This Shocking Moment at a GOP Town Hall in Idaho Is a Foreboding Sign
newrepublic.com
Private, unidentified security personnel dragged a woman out of the event. It raises questions not just about tolerance for dissent but about who gets deputized to do what.

Summary

A GOP town hall in Idaho turned violent when private security, LEAR Asset Management, forcibly removed Teresa Borrenpohl for speaking out.

The incident escalated after Borrenpohl questioned a panelist’s anti-abortion stance, leading to her being dragged out by unmarked security. Sheriff Norris, present but in plainclothes, did not intervene initially.

LEAR, known for aggressive tactics, was revealed to have been hired by the town hall organizers. Police later revoked LEAR’s city license and clarified that removing someone for speaking out is unlawful.

The incident shows rising tensions and the blurring lines between political events and private security enforcement in conservative areas.

  • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
    32·
    3 days ago

    But he doesn’t know who hired them? Who was in charge of security for the event. How would the local sheriff no know that?

    • CethinEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      Not saying he isn’t complicit, but security I think is usually handled by event organizers. That’d be the state GOP or the representative’s campaign. It probably wouldn’t be handled by the shariff and they likely don’t know who’s handling security for most events in the area.

      With that said, it’s my understanding that a lot of private security are off-duty cops, so he probably knows them. In addition to being there so clearly having an interest in the event, he should have been more aware at minimum. Best case, this is incompetence.