Five police officers were told to leave a Starbucks in Tempe, Arizona on the Fourth of July because a customer “did not feel safe” in their presence.
The Tempe Officers Association was infuriated by the way the police officers were treated and posted a series of Twitter messages explaining what happened.
“Don’t appreciate Starbucks asking our Tempe cops to leave your establishment on the (Fourth of July),” the organization wrote.”Several of those cops are veterans who fought for this country.”
The incident allegedly occurred at the Starbucks located on Scottsdale Road and McKellips just before the officers started their shift.
Customer Was Triggered By Cops
“They were approached by a barista who knew one of the officers by name,” the association wrote. “The barista said that a customer ‘did not feel safe’ because of the police presence.”
The barista asked the officers to move out of the customer’s line of sight or to leave, the association alleges. The police officers complied with the barista’s request.
“This treatment of public safety workers could not be more disheartening,” the association wrote.
Starbucks: We’re Sorry
Starbucks released a statement to the local Fox television station apologizing for the incident.
“We have deep respect for the Tempe Police Department and its service to our community. We have reached out to understand better what may have happened in our store, and to apologize for any misunderstanding or inappropriate behavior that may have taken place.”
I would encourage you to do as the police officers did — leave Starbucks and never return.
Don’t appreciate @Starbucks asking our #Tempe cops to leave your establishment on the #4thofjuly2019. Several of those cops are #veterans who fought for this country! #ZeroRespect pic.twitter.com/oGaDKhlYX3
— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 5, 2019