‘We are at war’: Tennessee congressman’s comments spur changes at Nashville courthouse

Rep. Andy Ogles has criticized Davidson County judges for their handling of cases involving a man accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman.
Rep. Andy Ogles has criticized Davidson County judges for their handling of cases involving a man accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman.
Published: Dec. 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Comments from U.S. Congressman Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) have led to security changes at a downtown Nashville courthouse.

Additional armed guard posts have reportedly been added to the courthouse, according to a Davidson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.

This comes after Ogles took to social media criticizing Davidson County general session court judges for their handling of cases involving a man accused of rapping an unconscious woman.

“We are at war, this is a fight of good versus evil,” Ogles told WSMV4 in an interview on Wednesday. “The judges, they own this crime, and I want to ask the judges, where was their apology to the family of this woman? Where was their apology to the people of Nashville?”

In a statement about Rep. Ogles, the judges said his comments have caused safety concerns, leading them to request additional security measures in a letter sent to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office says while there have not been any known threats, they are looking to add unspecified technology-driven security measures by next year.

These changes are in addition to the state’s minimum requirements for courtrooms to have armed guards, bulletproof benches, and panic buttons.