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Popular Lynn coffee shop closes after employee's comments about police

LYNN, Mass. --A business owner says she's closing her coffee shop in Lynn after her daughter made anti-police comments on Facebook.

The post created a firestorm of criticism, and owner Kato Mele says it’s put her family in danger.

Mele’s daughter posted on her personal Facebook page criticizing the idea of hosting “coffee with a cop” and calling police bullies and racists.

“I immediately apologized to the police for an opinion that was presented as mine that was not mine,” Mele said.

Within days, police and other patrons began avoiding the shop as social media erupted with angry comments about the shop.

Mele said she’s disappointed in her daughter’s words, and fired her for them, but defended her right to say them.

“I would just say that my daughter had every right to say something as stupid as what she said,” Mele told Boston 25 News.

A police spokesman said that they respect the right for people to say what want to say and do not wish businesses in Lynn to fail.

Mele said this firestorm has gone beyond the business, and into their personal lives through online trolling.

“They're on their saying they hope my daughter dies they hope someone assaults her and the police don’t help,” she said.

The owner of the coffee shop says she is more concerned with her family than keeping the coffee shop open she does not have plans to re-open.

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