Tennessee Democrat Aftyn Behn is facing renewed scrutiny over a 2019 incident where she was forcibly removed from the office of Governor Bill Lee during a sit-in protest. The event, which gained viral attention, has become a central point of discussion in the upcoming special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Behn, who recently won a special election to represent the state’s District 51, is now a candidate for the congressional seat, despite her controversial past, which includes comments about hating Nashville and advocating for the dissolution of police departments.
The incident occurred during a protest aimed at pressuring the governor to demand the resignation of a state representative accused of sexual assault allegations. Behn, then a political organizer for groups like ‘Enough Is Enough Tennessee,’ was recorded being dragged out of the office by police after allegedly skating past officers. Video footage of her being forcibly removed, along with subsequent media coverage, has reignited debates about her candidacy. Opponents, including the Republican National Committee, have criticized her past actions, arguing that her radical positions make her unfit for office.
Behn has faced numerous attacks in the lead-up to the election, including allegations that she made inflammatory remarks about Nashville and called for police department dissolution. During a recent interview, she dismissed the criticism, claiming the remarks were taken out of context and part of a broader attack against her. However, her voting record has also drawn scrutiny, particularly her opposition to tax cuts and funding for public services, which has complicated her campaign’s narrative of supporting working-class interests.
The sit-in was part of a broader effort to pressure Governor Bill Lee to address the allegations against a state representative, which were initially denied by the accused. The incident, which was captured on video and later shared widely, has become a focal point for critics who argue that Behn’s actions during the protest reflect a more radical stance than previously known. The video, in particular, has drawn attention due to Behn’s visible distress as she was removed from the office, raising questions about the legitimacy of her protest and the nature of the confrontation with law enforcement.
Despite the controversy over the 2019 incident, Behn has continued to campaign on a platform emphasizing support for working-class families and reform of government policies. Her recent election to the state legislature has positioned her as a prominent figure in the Democratic Party’s efforts to expand its influence in Tennessee. However, the emergence of her past actions has intensified scrutiny over her candidacy, with opponents highlighting her history as a far-left activist and her association with organizations that advocate for police abolition.
Behn’s stance on public policy has also come under fire, with critics pointing to her opposition to recent tax cuts and her refusal to support a state budget bill that would have allocated additional funds to public services. These decisions have fueled debates about her priorities as a representative of the working class, contrasting with her earlier activism and calls for systemic change. As the special election approaches, her campaign continues to balance efforts to deflect criticism while maintaining a message of solidarity with working families in the district.
The incident has not only spotlighted Behn’s controversial past but has also intensified the political battle in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. With both Democrats and Republicans vying for control of the seat, the controversy surrounding Behn has become a critical factor in the race. As the election nears, the focus remains on her ability to reconcile her past actions with her current legislative agenda, and whether her campaign can effectively address the concerns raised by her opponents.