Nashville judges push for heightened security following ‘violent’ social media post by Tennessee congressman
In the letter to Gov. Lee, the judges cited Andy Ogles’ “irresponsible use of the phrase ‘we are at war’ accompanied by the posting of the individual photographs of General Sessions Court Judges.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Judges of the Davidson County General Sessions Court have requested heightened security from Gov. Bill Lee after “violent” remarks from Rep. Andy Ogles.
In a joint statement and letter to the governor, the judges requested that the state ensure safety and security at the Justice A.A. Birch Courthouse in Nashville.
In the letter to Lee, the judges accused Ogles of endangering elected officials in Davidson County, citing his “irresponsible use of the phrase ‘we are at war’ accompanied by the posting of the individual photographs of General Sessions Court Judges.”
Below is the language Ogles used in the social media post (from Dec. 5, 2025) being flagged by the judges:
In the letter to Lee, the judges said his words have put themselves, courthouse staff and the general public at heightened risk.
“The reckless use of violent rhetoric, such as that employed by Mr. Ogles, can embolden the most extreme elements and lead to tragic consequences,” the judges wrote.
“We urge the State to take appropriate action to counter the dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric issued by Mr. Ogles. Tennessee must not become the site of the next preventable tragedy.”
The judges released a joint message in response to the “violent” message from Ogles:
Ogles released the following statement in response to the judges’ joint message:
In mid-November, Ogles continued his push for the National Guard to be deployed in Nashville. He first pushed for the deployment in Nashville in response to his plea for the National Guard to be sent to Memphis.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell had the following reply to Ogles’ call for the deployment:
“This is a congressman who is himself under investigation, who seems to be showing off for the President so he can get a pardon,” O’Connell said. “This is somebody who’s involved in a political race of his own, but seems more invested in the city he neither has an office in, nor lives in... it’s absurd hearing his claims about crime stats.”
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