Democrat Aftyn Behn’s comments about the police create debate in Tennessee election

A Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Tennessee, Aftin Behn, is facing criticism for a past statement advocating for the disbanding of the Nashville Police Department. His Republican opponent, Matt Van Epps, is urging voters to “cooperate with law enforcement.” This escalating situation comes ahead of the special election on December 2, with Democrats investing over $1 million in the race.

A tweet from Behn, which he deleted in 2020, has resurfaced, adding fuel to the fire. Van Epps remarked, “It’s unacceptable and it’s disqualifying,” during a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends First.” He accused Behn, as a sitting state representative, of “harassing and bullying” law enforcement agencies like ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Behn’s controversial tweets from June 2020 expressed sentiments that could be deemed radical, including remarks that seemed to condone violence against police stations. He has since deleted those posts. In a recent interview, he refrained from clarifying his current stance on law enforcement issues.

Van Epps, who is a military veteran and a West Point alumnus, has portrayed Behn as too progressive for the state, positioning himself as a voice for conservative values. He stated, “We can’t have radicals in power here. That’s my opponent,” emphasizing the need for leaders who represent traditional Tennessee values.

With the support of significant Democratic funding and endorsements from prominent figures, both candidates aim to secure what was previously Republican territory in Congress. Political ads in support of Van Epps have surfaced, backed by groups associated with Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.