A resurfaced video showing Tennessee Democratic House candidate Aftyn Behn being forcibly removed from Governor Bill Lee’s office during a 2019 sit-in protest is drawing new attention days before the special election. The footage, which shows state troopers dragging Behn away after she attempted to enter the governor’s office, has gone viral and sparked criticism of her activist background.
The 2019 incident occurred when Behn joined demonstrators demanding that the governor take action regarding alleged misconduct by a state representative. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, protesters were repeatedly told they could not enter the governor’s office. Behn attempted to push past troopers, leading officers to physically remove her from the area. The video shows her resisting as troopers pull her backward across the floor.
Behn is now the Democratic nominee in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Her activism — including work with groups described as left-wing — has been central to Republican criticism throughout the campaign. The newly resurfaced clip has heightened those concerns, with GOP officials arguing it reflects poor judgment and disregard for lawful orders. Conservative voters in the district have shared the video widely, calling it disqualifying for federal office.
Behn’s campaign has defended her actions, framing the protest as civil disobedience carried out in support of government accountability. Supporters claim the attention on the video distracts from her policy positions. However, the controversy comes at a critical moment, as early voting continues ahead of the December election.
The race remains important for maintaining Republican momentum in President Trump’s second term and could signal voter sentiment heading into the next legislative cycle.
