Resurfaced Footage Brings New Scrutiny to Tennessee Congressional Candidate
Resurfaced video footage from April 2019 has reintroduced a years-old confrontation into Tennessee’s political spotlight, raising fresh questions about Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn as she campaigns in a high-stakes special election. The footage, filmed during a protest at the Tennessee State Capitol, shows Behn being physically removed by security officers after she and other activists attempted to enter Gov. Bill Lee’s office without authorization.
Behn, who is now running in the December 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, was then part of the activist group “Enough Is Enough Tennessee,” which had organized the sit-in to urge Gov. Lee to call for the resignation of then-Republican state Rep. David Byrd. Byrd faced longstanding allegations of sexual misconduct stemming from incidents in the 1980s, which he denied.
What was originally a local news story has resurfaced amid renewed political attention on Behn’s record, her past activism, and several resurfaced statements from earlier years. Together, they form a complex backdrop to a campaign unfolding under intense public and media scrutiny.
Inside the 2019 Protest: What the Footage Shows
The protest occurred on April 17, 2019. When the governor’s office doors briefly opened, Behn and several other women attempted to enter. Capitol security immediately intervened, blocking the entrance and escorting Behn away.
Video recorded by NewsChannel 5 Nashville shows the following sequence:
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Behn shouting as officers physically remove her from the doorway
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Behn falling to her knees and crying in the hallway
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Security officers warning protesters they would be arrested if they remained
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Behn refusing to leave and being taken into custody along with several others
She was issued a citation and released later that day.
Approximately one month later, Behn was again removed from the Tennessee House chamber for shouting from the gallery during a General Assembly session, again demanding Byrd’s resignation.
For supporters, Behn’s actions reflected moral conviction and willingness to confront power. For critics, they demonstrated impulsiveness and a disregard for institutional norms — themes that have resurfaced as her campaign gains national attention.
https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1993052310512025655
From Activist to Congressional Candidate: Behn’s 2025 Campaign
Behn is now the Democratic nominee in the special election triggered by the resignation of Rep. Mark Green. She faces Republican Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Gov. Lee’s administration.
With voter turnout likely to be low in a special election, public perception of Behn’s past actions — both her activism and the resurfaced controversies — has become central to the race. Her supporters argue that she brings passion, energy, and a commitment to accountability. Opponents contend that her past reflects instability and extreme political positions.
The resurfaced protest footage has injected urgency into the debate over Behn’s political temperament and leadership style.
New Questions Over Deleted Tweets From 2020
Behn’s past statements also returned to the forefront during an interview this week, when she was questioned about several now-deleted tweets from the summer of 2020 — posted during the height of the George Floyd protests.
One tweet in particular drew immediate attention:
“Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.”
When confronted with the screenshot on MS NOW, Behn declined to confirm whether she still stood by the message.
“I’m not going to engage in cable news talking points,” she said, redirecting the discussion toward community-level policy solutions and away from the post itself.
The anchor pressed her multiple times for a clear response. Behn repeatedly said she did not remember writing the tweets, but she also did not denounce or clarify them.
Her refusal to address the statements directly has fueled criticism that she is avoiding accountability — an accusation that her campaign denies.
Comments About Nashville Resurface, Adding Fuel to the Debate
Another resurfaced moment has added to the scrutiny: comments Behn made on the “Year Old GRITS” podcast in 2020, where she expressed strong dislike for Nashville — the major city she now seeks to represent.
Her words at the time were unambiguous:
“I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville, apparently. I hate it.”
The comments have circulated widely on social media in recent days, particularly among voters and local commentators who argue that a representative should have a genuine connection to their district.
Behn responded on X, attempting to clarify that her criticism was aimed at specific tourist trends — not the community as a whole. She also claimed that political opponents were misrepresenting her remarks for campaign advantage.
But the resurfaced clip continues to spark debate about whether her earlier statements reflect a deeper disconnect with the district’s cultural identity.
https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1992827530718663101
Behn’s Supporters and Critics See Two Different Stories
The revived footage, deleted tweets, and resurfaced podcast comments have prompted sharply contrasting interpretations across Tennessee’s political landscape.
Supporters say:
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Her activism demonstrates courage and conviction
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The 2019 footage shows passion for protecting survivors of misconduct
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The deleted tweets reflect the emotional climate of 2020, not her current platform
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Her criticisms of Nashville were exaggerated or taken out of context
Supporters compare her to other candidates who emerged from activist backgrounds, arguing that emotional intensity should not disqualify someone from public office.
Critics argue:
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Her conduct in the capitol reflects a lack of restraint
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The deleted tweets suggest extreme views on law enforcement
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Her comments about Nashville undermine her claim to represent its interests
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Her refusal to answer questions directly raises red flags
Critics emphasize that the resurfaced video is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern.
How the Resurfaced Footage Could Shape the Election
The December 2 special election was expected to be relatively quiet, but the renewed attention on Behn’s past actions has transformed the contest into one of the most closely watched local races in the state.
Strategists note several potential impacts:
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Motivation for Republican turnout, as opponents highlight the footage
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Pressure on the Democratic base, which must decide whether the controversies overshadow her policy positions
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Independent voter hesitation, especially around temperament and judgment
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Intense national media interest, as Tennessee becomes a microcosm of broader debates over activism in politics
While the district historically leans Republican, special elections can be unpredictable — and the spotlight on Behn’s past could play a significant role in the outcome.
A High-Stakes Moment With National Attention
As Election Day approaches, Behn faces a critical test: not just convincing voters of her policy proposals, but reassuring them of her stability, transparency, and suitability for federal office.
The resurfaced footage, the archived comments, and the unresolved questions surrounding her deleted tweets have created a complicated narrative that her campaign must navigate carefully.
Whether voters view her past as an asset or a liability will determine more than the outcome of one election — it will help define how activism, online history, and personal expression intersect with modern political campaigns.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
