I don't think this is a free speech issue, it's more of a freedom of expression thing, as he didn't actually say anything.
Should you be free to express yourself all the time? No, absolutely not. You may hold your opinion, and hold it rightly, but there are times when you just should keep your mouth shut. For example:
1 Walking into Harlem and shouting "FUCKING NIGGERS EVERYWHERE"
2 Going to Jerusalem and saying "Look, Jews are responsible for so many of the world's ills"
3 Sitting in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and muttering "Jesus Christ, you guys need to lighten up, have a drink or something"
Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are nice, but there are a few limits to them. Be sensible. One of the most important things to know about your "rights" is when to appropriately exercise them.
Back to this specific case, I think the reaction was over the top.