A Democrat state representative in Tennessee running for U.S. Congress is refusing to denounce her previous calls to defund the police and even burn down police stations.
Aftyn Behn was interviewed on MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, by anchor Catherine Rampell, who confronted Behn with her previous anti-police messages, including one tweet from 2020 in which Behn stated: “Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.”
Rampell asked: “Do you still stand by those comments, and if not, is there anything you want to clarify?”
“Um, I’m not going to engage in, in, in, uh cable-news talking points,” a flustered Behn replied.
Ramped again pressed: “So you don’t want to clarify whether you still believe that the police should be defunded?”
Behn said: “Once again, I’m, I don’t remember these tweets, but I’m what I’m saying is that um …”
Rampell interjected: “I’m not asking if you remember. What is your position today? How’s that, on this issue?”
Behn dodged the question again, saying, “I mean, I’m, I’m once again, I’m here to talk about my race, which is uh, in literally nine days.”
NEW: Democrat Aftyn Behn turns into a bumbling mess after MS Now (formerly MSNBC) blindsided her with old tweets about defunding the police.
Behn, who said she hates Nashville, is running for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district.
Catherine Rampell: Do you still stand by those… pic.twitter.com/ScNnGvTA64
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 24, 2025
LibsofTikTok noted: “It’s not hard to say you don’t support burning down police stations. But she obviously still supports it.”
Behn has recently come under fire for her own remarks in which she stated that she hates Nashville, Tennessee, the city she wants to represent in Congress.
Behn had stated: “I have been heavily involved with the Nashville mayoral race because aI hate this city. I hate the bachelorettes. I hate the pedal taverns. I hate country music. I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently.”
Aftyn Behn hates our city, our culture, and our traditions. No one who despises the identity of a place should be asking to represent it.
Nashvillians, early vote for @MattForTN tomorrow!!!! pic.twitter.com/3skPh36j7o
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) November 24, 2025
When asked by Al Sharpton about her hating Nashville comments, Behn voiced what’s being called a “Freudian slip,” indicating “We all get a little annoyed with the tourists, but that doesn’t mean I love my city … .”
FREUDIAN SLIP
Democrat Aftyn Behn tries (and fails) to deny uncovered audio of her saying she “hates Nashville.”
BEHN: “We all get a little annoyed with the tourists, but that doesn’t mean I love my city…” pic.twitter.com/KeIdCtIqoi
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 23, 2025
Behn recorded her own response to the hating Nashville mantra, claiming: “NO, I DO NOT HATE THE CITY I REPRESENT.
“I’ve cried in the Country Music Hall of Fame no less than 10 times. They’re panicking because we’re close to winning. Eyes on the prize, y’all. Let’s go.”
NO, I DO NOT HATE THE CITY I REPRESENT
The national GOP’s new attack? That I “hate Nashville.” I’ve cried in the Country Music Hall of Fame no less than 10 times. They’re panicking because we’re close to winning. Eyes on the prize, y’all. Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/jjwMnyW8ZU
— Aftyn Behn for Congress (@aftynfortn) November 21, 2025
Outkick founder Clay Travis shared an ad being aired in Tennessee, opining: “Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane.”
Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane. pic.twitter.com/xinoHsPD9g
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 24, 2025
Behn is facing Republican Matt Van Epps, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Trump said: “A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.
“In Congress, Matt will work hard to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion School Choice, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. He is strongly supported by my good friend, Congressman Jim Jordan, and many other highly respected MAGA Warriors!”
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