The resurfacing of 2019 footage featuring Democratic Tennessee congressional candidate Aftyn Behn has renewed attention on her earlier activism and public behavior. The video shows a tense protest at the state capitol, where Behn and members of Enough Is Enough Tennessee demanded Gov. Bill Lee call for the resignation of then-Rep. David Byrd over sexual misconduct accusations. When the governor’s office door briefly opened, protesters rushed forward, leading security to intervene. Behn is seen screaming as officers dragged her away before she “fell to her knees in tears” as police cleared the hallway.
Another video from that year shows Behn interrupting a session of the 111th General Assembly while again calling for Byrd’s resignation. She was removed by troopers, issued a citation, and released that evening. These moments highlight her direct-action activism, which supporters see as commitment but critics frame as instability.
Behn’s campaign for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has also revived controversy over now-deleted 2020 tweets made during the George Floyd protests. One read: “Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.” Confronted recently on MS NOW, she declined to confirm or reject her past comments, calling the questions “cable news talking points.”
Old podcast remarks from 2020 have also resurfaced, where she said: “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music… I hate it.” Behn later clarified her frustration was aimed at Nashville’s tourism culture.
As the December 2 special election approaches, Behn faces the challenge of appealing to a broader electorate while explaining past statements critics continue to highlight.
🚨 HOLY SMOKES! Footage has been resurfaced of Democrat Congressional candidate Aftyn Behn, running for the open TN-7 seat, SCREAMING after storming into Gov. Bill Lee's office.
Police had to DRAG her out like a child.
Election day is Dec. 2. pic.twitter.com/zfusIco83p
Vote for…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 24, 2025
