A Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officer was dining at an Outback Steakhouse with his wife when a frightened customer got a manager to kick him out. Andrew Ward was armed at the time, as is required when he is in uniform. The manager of the restaurant in Cleveland, Tennessee, said he had to go because Outback is a gun-free zone and the customer said she was “scared for her life.”

In a Facebook post, Officer Ward wrote:

"I was approached by the manager and asked if I would put my gun in my truck. I let her know that I couldn't because I was in uniform. She then went and made a call and came back and we were asked to leave because Outback is a gun-free zone. Note: I don't blame the manager ... but this is ridiculous and we will never go back there ever again.

"What is this country coming to? A uniformed Law Enforcement Officer who is sworn to protect and serve the public, is refused service because they have a firearm! I am disgusted and have no other words!"

The parent company of the steakhouse, Bloomin’ Brands Inc., released a statement after hearing of Ward’s story and assured him the manager wasn’t following proper protocol. They also offered him a $100 gift card to come back:

"We've always allowed uniformed law enforcement officers to carry their side arms inside our restaurants. A manager made a mistake, and we have discussed this with her. We have contacted the guest personally and apologized."

Ward said it’s time we “turn our attention” to those who “push their agenda on all those around them” like the frightened woman at the restaurant.

“[A]n entire restaurant full of other happy people were completely fine with my presence,” Ward added. “As a country, we need to stand up for each other as so many who have shared this post have done. I am truly humbled by the support we received."

H/T Tennessee Star