Aftyn Behn’s 2019 Protest Footage Resurfaces Amid Congressional Campaign
Old video has resurfaced showing Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn being forcefully removed from Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s office during a 2019 protest, drawing renewed attention as she runs for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
Behn, part of the activist group Enough Is Enough Tennessee, staged a sit-in at the state capitol demanding Gov.
Lee address calls for Republican Rep. David Byrd’s resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations. On April 17, 2019, Behn and fellow protesters rushed into Lee’s office when doors briefly opened. Security blocked them, and Behn was forcibly removed while screaming and falling to her knees. State troopers threatened arrests, and Behn, along with a few others, was arrested. Later footage shows her shouting in the House chambers for Byrd’s resignation, resulting in further removal and citations.
Current Campaign and Controversies
Behn is now campaigning against Republican Matt Van Epps in a special election following Rep. Mark Green’s resignation, scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025. Her candidacy has drawn renewed scrutiny over her past activism and online statements. Tweets from 2020 during the George Floyd protests, in which she appeared to support burning police stations, have resurfaced, though Behn has since deleted the posts and avoided confirming the sentiments.
She has also faced criticism for earlier remarks disparaging Nashville’s bachelorettes, pedal taverns, and country music scene—comments she has since attempted to clarify, blaming political opponents for misrepresentation.
Conclusion
Behn’s past protest actions, controversial online posts, and statements about Nashville have returned to public attention at a pivotal moment in her campaign.
Her candidacy highlights how previous activism and social media behavior continue to influence public perception and political narratives in contemporary elections.