Bob Norris

Comprehensive overview of the February 22, 2025 town hall incident, subsequent investigations, civil claims, and criminal charge decisions. Norris is the first Kootenai County Sheriff with no prior connection to the Sheriff's Office; he became a KCRCC campaign ally before taking office.

Video posted on Facebook shows Norris telling Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl "Get up or be arrested," then tugging her arm before private security guards dragged her from the auditorium. Norris said he was at the event to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and because of an "active threat" against a legislator. The incident went viral nationally within hours.

Norris can be seen in video grabbing Borrenpohl and directing security to remove her. His office initially released a statement claiming "NO Kootenai County Deputy Sheriff's or other personnel" were involved — while video showed Norris himself physically participating. A GoFundMe for Borrenpohl's legal fees raised over $140,000.

Coeur d'Alene Police dropped the battery citation against Borrenpohl "in the interest of justice." The city also revoked Lear Asset Management's business license for violating city code. KCRCC Chair Brent Regan claimed the security guards "volunteered" — CDA Police identified them as paid employees of the California-based firm.

Gregg Johnson, who was sitting next to Borrenpohl and had no prior connection to her, filed a $2.5 million tort claim. After Johnson shouted "Hey, leave her alone!" when the security guards dragged Borrenpohl away, Norris pushed him against a wall, spread his legs, and zip-tied his hands. Norris never stated Johnson was under arrest or being detained.

Idaho AG Raúl Labrador declined to file criminal battery charges, citing Idaho's peace officer standard which requires proof of bad faith or malice — a higher bar than the civil standard. Borrenpohl's attorney noted: "Civil cases and constitutional claims are governed by a different burden and require different evidence." The AG's decision does not resolve the pending civil claims. Both the Borrenpohl ($5M) and Johnson ($2.5M) tort claims are moving toward active civil litigation, where the burden of proof is significantly lower than the criminal standard.

Norris swore in County Commissioner Bruce Mattare as a special deputy after Mattare managed his 2020 campaign. Mattare is the only elected official in Kootenai County with special deputy status. Special deputies sign non-disclosure agreements. Mattare advises Norris on messaging while also voting on the sheriff's budget — a significant conflict of interest.

Documents that Norris's political ally Dave Reilly used his Backlash podcast to mock Borrenpohl and promote the KCRCC narrative following the incident, illustrating the tight political network surrounding the sheriff.