Tennessee’s political scene just got a fresh jolt from the past as old footage of Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn screaming in the state Legislature grabs attention once again.

According to the Daily Caller,  Behn, now running for the U.S. House in Tennessee’s 7th District, was forcibly removed from the state chamber while yelling at then-Republican state Rep. David Byrd and former House Speaker Glen Casada to resign. 

Security escorted Behn out as she unleashed a tirade from the wing of the House chambers in May 2019. Her shouts targeted Casada, accusing his leadership of silencing communities and failing in accountability.

Unpacking the 2019 Legislature Confrontation

Behn’s outburst wasn’t a solo act; she joined three other protesters outside Byrd’s office, demanding his resignation over sexual assault allegations from 2018. These claims, made by three women about inappropriate conduct during Byrd’s time as a basketball coach, were denied by him, with no charges ever filed.

Her words in the video cut sharp, declaring, “You have been violent and extreme towards people of color, towards women, towards minorities!” While passion for justice can drive activism, such unchecked disruption in a legislative setting risks drowning out the very dialogue she claims to champion.

A month before this incident, Behn tried to confront Governor Bill Lee directly in his office over the same issue. Security promptly showed her the door, underscoring a pattern of confrontational tactics over measured debate.

Activism or Overreach in Public Spaces?

As part of the group Enough is Enough, Behn framed her actions as advocacy for accountability. Yet, storming public offices and shouting down officials hardly builds the bridge needed for real policy change.

After her removal from the chamber, police cited and released her that evening, per local reporting from 2019. This consequence seems mild for behavior that turned a place of governance into a personal soapbox.

Behn’s approach raises questions about where the line sits between protest and obstruction. When does a cause, however heartfelt, justify derailing the very systems meant to address grievances?

Current Campaign and Past Statements

Now vying for Congress against Republican Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner, Behn’s past rhetoric continues to shadow her candidacy. Her 2020 podcast comment hating “everything” about Nashville and calling Tennessee “godforsaken” in 2023 doesn’t exactly scream hometown pride.

She’s also labeled the state “racist” and tied college sororities to “white supremacy,” while backing taxpayer-funded surgeries for transgender minors. Such stances, while bold, alienate many who see these as divisive rather than unifying positions.

Her shout in the footage, “You have to resign,” aimed at Byrd and Casada, echoes a demand for accountability but lacks the nuance needed for credible leadership. Raw emotion can’t substitute for constructive solutions in a congressional race.

Balancing Passion with Practical Governance

This resurfaced video reminds us that public service demands more than volume; it requires restraint and respect for process. Behn’s energy might appeal to some, but governance isn’t a shouting match, and voters deserve candidates who prioritize results over theatrics.

While allegations against Byrd warranted scrutiny, turning a legislative session into a personal battlefield muddies the waters of justice. A true advocate knows when to speak and when to strategize, ensuring voices are heard without chaos taking center stage.

As Tennessee’s 7th District weighs its options, Behn’s past actions offer a lens into her approach to power. Will voters see a fighter for the marginalized, or a disruptor unprepared for the quiet work of lawmaking?