Red Hen Owner Steps Down From Board Position After National Spotlight

The episode Friday evening has triggered a sharp divide in reactions in the country, from people praising Wilkinson for asking Sanders to leave the restaurant to criticism over a lack of civility toward someone with opposing political opinions.

Protesters and onlookers gathered on a sidewalk outside the restaurant Tuesday before its originally scheduled 5 p.m. opening. Two carried flags bearing the message: TRUMP Make America Great Again. Another held a multicolored anti-gay sign citing a Bible verse. The restaurant at 11 E. Washington St. remained closed and police briefly shut down traffic on the block.

Lexington Police Chief Sam Roman said there’s been one arrest: a man drove by and threw a bucket of chicken manure out the window while shouting. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

“People have the right to exercise free speech, and we’re just here to make sure it doesn’t go beyond that,” Roman said.