Protest forms outside Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

COEUR d’ALENE — After video recordings of Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris attempting to physically remove a woman from a legislative town hall for speaking out of turn went viral and made international headlines, some community members are calling for Norris to resign. 

More than 20 protesters gathered Friday afternoon in front of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office on Government Way, holding aloft signs that criticized Norris’ actions at last Saturday’s town hall. 

“(Norris) acted grossly and inappropriately,” said Tom Hearn, who attended both the town hall and Friday’s protest. “Extremely unprofessional.” 

The town hall, hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, descended into chaos after Norris attempted to remove Post Falls resident Teresa Borrenpohl from the event, then motioned to a group of then-unidentified, plainclothes security guards, who dragged Borrenpohl out of the auditorium at Coeur d’Alene High School. 

Joshua Arvizu of Coeur d’Alene led Friday’s demonstration. He said he believes Norris violated Borrenpohl’s constitutional rights. 

“I was absolutely appalled by that behavior,” Arvizu said. “If (Norris) has any respect for the oath of office, he will resign and take the shame off the badge of sheriff. Kootenai County deserves better.” 

Coeur d’Alene resident Susan Barron said she’s also unsatisfied by Norris’ justifications of his actions at the town hall. 

“Our own sheriff, who has sworn to protect the citizens of this county, had a hand in physically removing a woman who was loud,” she said. “What he did was wrong.” 

The thought of her 10-year-old granddaughter motivated her to protest. 

“I don’t want her voice silenced,” Barron said. 

Some also voiced their opposition to KCRCC chairman Brent Regan on Friday.

Dozens of motorists honked, waved or cheered in solidarity as they passed the protesters. 

“We don’t like him at all,” one woman called from her vehicle. 

One man shouted from his car that he was a veteran and supported what the protestors were doing.  

“I think he did what he did so we can do what we’re doing,” Arvizu said of the veteran. 

A few people shouted their support for Norris from passing cars.

    Joshua Arvizu holds a sign along Government Way during Friday's protest in front of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
  

    Sarah Martin, right, holds aloft a protest sign Friday.
  

    A woman hand writes a sign that reads "Norris Must Resign" during Friday's protest.
  

    Community members protested the actions of Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris at a recent town hall.