Bob Norris, Kootenai County Sheriff

Dragged a woman out of a legislative town hall

February 2025

Video shows him telling Teresa Borrenpohl "Get up or be arrested," then grabbing her before security dragged her out.
He threatened her with pepper spray and pulled her arm before ordering the LEAR security team to remove her.
The video went viral nationally within hours.
His office first said no sheriff's personnel were involved. Video showed him physically participating.
He later claimed he was only there to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Video shows him giving commands.

Sources (3)

February 2025 - May 2026

Charges against Borrenpohl were dropped "in the interest of justice." A fundraiser for her legal fees raised over $140,000.
The city revoked the security firm's business license.
A bystander who shouted "Leave her alone!" says he was pushed against a wall and zip-tied without being told he was detained.
The AG declined criminal charges, citing Idaho's higher bar for charging police officers.
Borrenpohl's federal lawsuit names Norris in his individual capacity, alleging First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment violations.
Civil suits totaling $7.5 million are moving through the courts.

Sources (4)

Borrenpohl sues over town hall removal
Coeur d'Alene Press · May 2026 (archive)
- Primary Source
  Federal civil rights complaint, Borrenpohl v. Norris et al., Case 2:26-cv-00301-DKG
  Names Norris in all four claims: unlawful seizure without probable cause, excessive force (4th Amendment), failure to keep safe (14th Amendment), and First Amendment viewpoint discrimination. Filed May 14, 2026.
AG: No charges against Norris
Coeur d'Alene Press · November 2025 (archive)
- Primary Source
  AG press release confirming no criminal charges, KHQ
  AG confirmed two instances of physical contact but found no evidence of bad faith or malice under Idaho law's peace officer standard
Kootenai County sheriff faces another legal claim over actions at Cd'A town hall
Spokesman-Review · September 2025 (archive)
Prosecutor drops charges against woman dragged out of Kootenai County Republican town hall
KHQ · February–March 2025 (archive)

March - April 2025

He refused to speak with detectives about his own actions, despite being on video.
A search warrant recovered 14 raw video files, contradicting claims that footage was missing.
He spent campaign money advertising with a paper that called police to interfere with the active investigation into him.
The KCRCC spent over $200,000 on aligned media. Its allies' podcast mocked the woman who was dragged out.

Sources (3)

2025

He made his campaign manager a sworn special deputy after winning the election.
That same person advises him on public statements while also voting on his budget.
He is the first Kootenai County Sheriff elected with no prior background in the Sheriff's Office.

Sources (2)