A Florida tattoo shop is facing significant public criticism after its owner posted on social media that active-duty military members and veterans are unwelcome at the business, describing the military as "war criminals."
Revival Tattoo Collective, located in Largo, Florida, published a post on June 23 stating, "Once again for the slow ones the military. Pretty simple if you are ex military or currently serving just don’t come to the shop. You will be turned away."
The post, attributed to shop founder Brady Martinson, further elaborated on his views, saying, "My opinion is that the military is a bunch of war criminals and law enforcement kills babies and unarmed citizens in the street." The owner indicated that negative reactions only proved his point about the character of those who serve.
The shop's stance drew a swift and largely negative response online. Many commentators criticized the broad generalization, with one user writing, "Judging an entire group by the actions of a few is the same type of prejudice I’m sure you claim to oppose." Another commenter pointed out that while the First Amendment protects against government punishment for speech, it does not shield individuals from the consequences of their words.
Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for Revival Tattoo Collective told Fox News Digital, "Yeah I’m booked up I can’t take any clients military or civilian. Thanks for your interest on my opinion."
This incident follows a separate controversy involving a Brooklyn coffee shop, Poetica Coffee, which reportedly banned a Democratic congressman due to his support for Israel, prompting a Department of Justice inquiry into potential discrimination under federal law.