A Wydaho Roasters Coffee House in Driggs, Idaho, owner Jim Sheehan has faced backlash after comparing a pro-life group to the Ku Klux Klan during an incident that led to the business locking down its social media accounts.
According to video posted by Kristan Hawkins, CEO of Pro-Life Generation and other organizations, Sheehan told the group they had to leave his premises over their advocacy. The confrontation occurred after Sheehan initially stated he did not want the group meeting at his coffee shop. In the video, Sheehan repeatedly asserted: “It’s like if the Ku Klux Klan asked to meet here, I would say no.”
Hawkins stated she and her group were acting peacefully when Sheehan told them to depart. The group claims they had paid for their food and were simply discussing pro-life issues, not disrupting anyone. Sheehan later claimed he did not “kick out” the group but asked them to find another location, saying: “I asked them to find another place to hold their meeting — she repeatedly asked if I was kicking them out, and I didn’t respond one way or the other.”
The coffee shop has previously hosted events for a Democratic Socialist of America candidate and held a vigil for two activists killed protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sheehan also noted the business displays a lawn sign reading “EVERYONE WELCOME” on its property.
Sheehan defended his actions, stating the video was “selectively edited to skew the interaction” and that he had made it clear they could not use the space without permission.
