Richardson police arrived as he was leaving around 11:30 a.m., but Ternay says he refused to identify himself. He also cited Cohen v.California, the 1971 United States Supreme Court freedom of speech case that
overturned a man’s conviction for disturbing the peace by wearing a jacket with the phrase, “Fuck the Draft.”
The officer just wanted Ternay to leave.
“If your kids can’t handle the words ‘Fuck’ they are going to have a really tough time in this world,” Ternay wrote. He also decried the treatment of “Muslims and people of color, LGBTQ, and women.”
He explains that “white males sneer” at his shirt, but “people of color” smile and give him the thumbs up. “I think it is very worthwhile to let people of color know they are not alone,” he writes, “that some whites also
see the evil of racism is resurgent – and we will fight with our brother and sisters of color against it.”
“I’m fine with being asked to leave and I don’t urge a boycott,” Ternay adds. “These things are never easy for businesses.”
Ternay’s account of the incident posted on his FB account at 12:57 p.m. on Sunday and quickly went viral. By Monday afternoon, the post had been shared more than 125,000 times. Thousands of comments ranged from approval and praise to insults and threats. By Monday evening, Ternay’s FB account disappeared.
In a statement to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, First Watch explained that the problem was with the profanity, not the politics. A spokesman for the restaurant chain declined to confirm whether or not any employees
agreed with Ternay or resigned.