Protest by Tennessee Congressional Candidate in Assembly

Aftin Behn, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Tennessee, made headlines when he interrupted the proceedings at the Tennessee General Assembly during a protest in May 2019. The incident, which has recently resurfaced online, shows him being forcibly removed while calling on then-Republican Representative David Byrd and former House Speaker Glen Casada to “resign.”

In the footage, Behn passionately confronts Casada from within the chamber, declaring, “I am here today to represent the communities you silenced in today’s Congress.” He criticizes their actions, suggesting they have committed violence against marginalized groups and accuses them of evading responsibility for their behavior, emphasizing how unacceptable it is and that it’s the “worst government.” Amidst the chaos, he also shares his belief that Casada must resign.

After this vocal outburst, Behn was apprehended but later released that evening, as reported by News Channel 5 Nashville. This protest wasn’t random; it’s tied to a series of sexual assault allegations against Byrd from 2018, which he has denied. Despite the allegations, no charges were ever filed against him.

Behn was part of the activist group Enough Is Enough, which pushed for Byrd’s resignation over these serious accusations. Last year, he attempted to meet with Republican Governor Bill Lee, demanding action against Byrd, though he was removed by security from the governor’s office.

Currently, Behn is in a competitive race for Tennessee’s 7th District seat in the U.S. House, facing off against Republican candidate Matt Van Epps. Interestingly, in a podcast from February 2020, Behn expressed harsh feelings about Nashville, declaring a strong dislike for everything related to the city. Van Epps also stirred some controversy by labeling parts of Tennessee as “racist” and criticizing local traditions, showcasing a broader pattern of contentious dialogue surrounding this election cycle.