Mixed Verdict in Assault Case Following Contentious Town Hall in Idaho

Mon Dec 22 2025 20:55:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A jury in Coeur d'Alene delivers a mixed verdict in the trial of Paul Trouette, who was involved in the controversial removal of a woman from a town hall meeting.

In a trial that drew significant attention in Idaho, Paul Trouette was found guilty of minor battery offenses but not guilty of more serious charges relating to an incident where a woman was forcibly removed from a legislative town hall. The chaotic event witnessed by many ended with a viral video showing law enforcement and security detaining Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic candidate.

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (AP) — A man convicted of battering two individuals during a contentious legislative town hall was acquitted of charges related to the highly publicized removal of a woman, which was captured on video and widely circulated.

The Kootenai County jury rendered a split verdict on Thursday, finding Paul Trouette guilty of misdemeanor battery against two people who intervened as the woman was being forcibly removed. He was also found guilty of violating regulations concerning the attire of security personnel. However, he was not guilty on four other counts, including false imprisonment.

The incident, which occurred during a contentious gathering in February, involved Teresa Borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate. Footage showed her being pulled from her seat amidst heckling directed at lawmakers, with Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris initially addressing her before recording the scene as security personnel forcibly dragged her out. Witnesses reported that the security officers were unidentifiable, lacking any uniforms or identification.

The Idaho Attorney General's office chose not to press charges against Sheriff Norris, but local prosecutors proceeded with misdemeanor charges against Trouette, who owns the security company involved. Charges against other security personnel were eventually dropped.

After nearly eight hours of deliberation following a three-day trial, the jury's mixed verdict was pronounced. “Justice was done,” stated Ryan Hunter, the city’s chief deputy prosecutor.

Trouette refrained from providing comments following the verdict. The town hall, organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, was attended by hundreds, sparking contention and emotional responses among participants. Defense attorneys argued Trouette acted under the authority of the sheriff, asserting that no specific directives had been given to remove Borrenpohl or detain anyone.

Borrenpohl, who claimed the security team harmed her physically during the incident, later filed a tort claim against Kootenai County for the alleged violation of her civil rights, an issue that remains unresolved as the county has yet to respond.