A 2019 video of Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn being forcibly dragged from Tennessee’s governor’s office while screaming and sobbing has resurfaced just days before a crucial special election, potentially derailing her campaign.
The 2019 Capitol Confrontation
Behn’s dramatic removal occurred during a protest organized by her group, Enough is Enough–Tennessee, which demanded the resignation of state Representative David Byrd over sexual misconduct allegations. When officers opened the doors to Governor Lee’s office, Behn attempted to rush past security and was immediately tackled and removed by state troopers. The incident wasn’t an isolated outburst—just one month later, Behn was again ejected from the state House chamber after shouting at Speaker Glen Casada.
The video footage reveals the intensity of Behn’s emotional state during the confrontation, raising questions about her approach to political advocacy and her temperament under pressure. Her actions that day reflected a broader pattern of confrontational activism that has defined her political career.
🚨MORE INSANTIY🚨 Resurfaced video from 2019 shows Democrat Tennessee candidate Aftyn Behn SCREAMING and SOBBING as officers had to forcibly drag her out of Gov. Lee's office. @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/rcUnwQeXlN
— Nicole Silverio (@NicoleMSilverio) November 24, 2025
From Activist to Electoral Candidate
Behn’s journey from healthcare community organizer to congressional candidate illustrates the blurred lines between activism and electoral politics in today’s polarized environment. After leading protests in 2019, she successfully won a Tennessee House seat in 2023, demonstrating that her confrontational style resonated with some voters. Her congressional campaign represents an attempt to translate grassroots activism into federal political power.
The timing of the video’s resurgence proves particularly problematic for Behn’s campaign. Running in Tennessee’s traditionally Republican 7th District, she already faces an uphill battle against well-funded opponent Matt Van Epps. The viral footage provides her critics with compelling evidence to question whether someone who lost control during a protest possesses the temperament required for congressional leadership.
Political Weaponization of Past Actions
Conservative commentators have seized on the footage, characterizing Behn’s behavior as “completely unhinged” and emblematic of radical Democratic politics. The video’s circulation across social media platforms demonstrates how past moments can become powerful campaign weapons, especially in high-stakes special elections where every vote matters. Republican strategists understand that emotional imagery often resonates more strongly with voters than policy positions.
Behn’s supporters attempt to reframe the incident as evidence of her passionate commitment to holding elected officials accountable for sexual misconduct. They argue that her willingness to face physical removal demonstrates courage and principle rather than instability. This competing narrative highlights the subjective nature of political interpretation, where identical actions can be viewed as either admirable dedication or concerning extremism.
Electoral Implications and National Stakes
The December 2 special election carries significance beyond Tennessee’s borders, serving as a potential bellwether for Democratic strategies in traditionally Republican districts. Both parties have invested heavily in the race, recognizing that outcomes in special elections often signal broader political trends. Behn’s performance will be scrutinized as a test case for whether confrontational progressive activism can translate into electoral success in conservative areas.
The incident raises fundamental questions about the relationship between protest tactics and political viability. While Behn’s activism helped elevate important issues around legislative accountability, her methods may ultimately limit her appeal to moderate voters who prize stability and decorum in their representatives. The video serves as a reminder that in politics, how you fight often matters as much as what you fight for.