A security guard at the Grand Teton Mall in Idaho has been suspended following a confrontation with a lesbian couple who were taking photos. The incident, which occurred over a recent holiday weekend, was captured on video by one of the women.
According to a TikTok post by Alyssa Bratcher, she and her girlfriend were stopped by a security guard, whom she identified as Hansen, for taking pictures. The video shows the guard telling the couple to stop talking and that they were going to be banned from the mall.
Bratcher engaged with the guard, questioning why they could not take pictures. The guard responded by calling their behavior "rude, and obnoxious, and not listening." As the exchange escalated, the guard yelled at Bratcher and then attempted to grab the phone from her girlfriend.
Bratcher's girlfriend pushed the guard away and kept him from reaching Bratcher, who managed to retain her phone. Bratcher stated on TikTok that the guard "proceeded to curse and yell at us just for asking why we couldn't take pictures at the mall." She added, "I’m not sure if it was an act of homophobia or simply just rage for no good reason."
Bratcher claimed that another security guard arrived and stated that the first guard was in the wrong. She and her girlfriend filed a report against the guard.
GGP, the owner of the mall, stated that the guard had been "removed from duty and a review of the incident is now underway by the security company." A spokesperson added, "Regardless, his behavior does not reflect the standards we expect of those entrusted with maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for our guests."
The mall's code of conduct does not prohibit photography, listing profanity, blocking walkways, and excessive loitering as unacceptable behaviors. The code states that guests who do not act responsibly may be asked to leave and could face arrest for criminal trespass if they refuse.
Police confirmed that no report had been filed with their department regarding the incident.