Protesters at Republican Event Told 'Your Voice Is Meaningless'
Protesters at an Idaho town hall hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) were told on Saturday that their "voice is meaningless" as concerns remain by some over President Donald Trump's administration and political agenda.
Newsweek has reached out to KCRCC and the Coeur d'Alene Police Department via email for comment on Sunday.
Why It Matters
Saturday's protest comes as Trump has made several policy decisions including the creation of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an unofficial agency established through executive order operating as a White House task force, which has pursued an aggressive initiative to cut the size and scope of the federal government.
The president has also signed several executive orders enacting his conservative agenda, quickly fulfilling campaign promises with several immigration-related orders, ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, and orders related to the economy and energy production.
President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Oval Office at the White House on February 21 in Washington, D.C. Win McNamee/Getty Images
What To Know
According to local CBS News affiliate, KREM 2, a woman who the Coeur d'Alene Police Department (CDAPD) identified as Teresa Snyder Borrenpohl, protested at the KCRCC hosted town hall in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
After making remarks from the audience to several legislative members on stage, she was asked to leave.
In a video circulating on Facebook, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris is seen confronting Borrenpohl, warning, "Get up or be arrested," moments before two men intervened and escorted her out, according to Coeur d'Alene Press.
"This is not a negotiation," Norris stated as Borrenpohl responded, "Women deserve a voice."
While the scene quickly escalated, Ed Bejarana, the event's emcee who is a voiceover talent and has launched the Business Buffet podcast, continued speaking over the commotion, commenting on the protester.
"Look at this little girl over here, everyone. Look at her," he said, referring to Borrenpohl. His remarks were met with shouts from the audience, some of whom held signs reading, "Save Voter Approved Medicaid."
Bejarana then defended the removal, accusing protesters of attempting to "filibuster" the event as he continued talking about DOGE. "We've got to be a little aggressive with some of these folks here," he said. "Your voice is meaningless right now...I can talk over all of you."
Newsweek has reached out to Bejarana via for comment on Sunday.
The confrontational approach drew criticism from many in attendance. "Is this a town hall or a lecture?" one woman yelled amid the uproar, according to Coeur d'Alene Press.
While it's unclear what exactly the protesters were opposing, KCRCC has since posted a statement to Facebook explaining that Borrenpohl, who allegedly belongs to Save NIC, a social welfare nonprofit organization, "alongside at least five other recognized activists from local progressive circles—including two fellow 'Save NIC' members—shouted down legislator
s with insults like 'bigots' and 'liars' throughout the meeting, drowning out attempts at dialogue."
A protester at an Idaho town hall hosted by a Republican committee made remarks from the audience to several legislative members on stage.
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