Ada County Jury Convicted Protester of Trespassing
A jury found Andrea Rane guilty of misdemeanor trespassing for her role in an April 1 protest at the governor's office.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law
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An Ada County jury has convicted Andrea Rane of misdemeanor trespassing following her arrest during a protest at the Idaho governor's office. The verdict follows a similar conviction of another protester earlier this year.
Why it matters
The conviction stems from a demonstration against legislation affecting transgender Idahoans. Nine protesters were arrested after remaining in the office beyond its 5 p.m. closing time.
Nine individuals were arrested at the Idaho governor's office on April 1 after receiving a warning to leave. Andrea Rane, who testified she did not speak with an elected official during the protest, is scheduled for sentencing on October 23.
The players
Andrea Rane
She is the defendant found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing after participating in a protest at the Idaho capitol.
Brad Little
He is the Governor of Idaho whose office was the site of the protest and subsequent arrests.
Sara LaWall
She is a protest participant who was previously convicted of trespassing in September regarding the same event.
Jason Cagle
He is an Idaho State Police Sergeant who captured the body camera footage used as evidence in the trial.
The details
Jurors reached their verdict after reviewing body camera footage provided by Sgt. Jason Cagle, which documented the events leading to the arrests. The protest was organized to urge Governor Brad Little to veto legislation targeting transgender residents, leading to police intervention after protesters remained past office hours.
Timeline
April 1, 2026: Nine protesters were arrested inside the Idaho governor's office.
September 2026: Sara LaWall was convicted of trespassing for the same protest.
October 13, 2026: An Ada County jury found Andrea Rane guilty.
October 23, 2026: Andrea Rane is scheduled for sentencing.
Political Context
The conviction aligns with the precedent set by the September 2026 trial of Sara LaWall, which resulted in a similar guilty verdict for trespassing. Opposition groups argue that such prosecutions are an attempt to suppress dissent regarding legislation affecting transgender Idahoans.
This case highlights the legal consequences for protesters who remain in state government offices after public hours. Residents should be aware that police warnings precede enforcement actions for trespassing on government property.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that state property regulations remain strictly enforced regardless of the intent behind a demonstration. Individuals participating in future protests should be mindful of office closing times and lawful exit directives.
What happens next
Andrea Rane is scheduled to appear for sentencing on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more on legal proceedings in the capital, visit the Boise Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI).
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Should protesters who refuse to leave a government office after hours be convicted of trespassing?
