An Idaho woman who asked Republicans not to cut Medicaid and spoke out in support of reproductive rights at a town hall was forcibly dragged out by multiple men and later hospitalized.
The Saturday meeting, hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC), was attended by several women holding signs, including "Save Voter Approved Medicaid," in silent protest to President Donald Trump's latest actions, including endorsing House Republicans' proposal to cut Medicaid spending, Coeur d'Alene Press reported
Teresa Snyder Borrenpohl, one of the protesters in attendance, was heard yelling, "Is this a town hall or a lecture?" before she was approached by Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris and three private security guards.
"Please get up or be escorted out," Norris told Borrenpohl, according to Coeur d'Alene Press. "This is not a negotiation."
"Women deserve a voice," Borrenpohl shouted as she was pulled out of her seat, pushed to the ground and dragged out of the auditorium.
The event's host Ed Bejarana, an Army veteran and voice actor, began mocking Borrenpohl as she was removed, prompting a number of audience members to leave while others booed and some cheered.
"Look at this little girl over here, everyone. Look at her," Bejarana jeered. "This little girl does not want to leave. She spoke up and now does not want to suffer the consequences."
Borrenpohl was later hospitalized, according to Newsweek, and cited for trespassing and assault after she allegedly bit one of the private security guards. These accusations are currently under investigation.
Originally published by Latin Times
