Metro judges seek more security amid ‘threats’ by Tennessee congressman

Davidson County General Sessions Court judges are asking for additional security at the A.A. Birch Building in Nashville, citing “threats” by a Tennessee congressman. (Photo: Brad Freeman, Metropolitan Nashville General Sessions Court)

Metro Nashville General Sessions Court judges are asking for heightened security following inflammatory comments by a U.S. representative who excoriated them in connection with the case of a man charged with raping a woman who later died after earlier charges against him were dismissed. 

The judges issued a statement Tuesday saying they directed increased security at the Justice A.A. Birch Courthouse in downtown Nashville in response to remarks by Ogles that “appeared intended to incite violence against elected officials in Davidson County.”

“We stand united in condemning any language or actions that target judges – with threats of violence as a means of expressing political disagreement. In light of the numerous acts of political violence witnessed in recent years, the statements made by Mr. Ogles are unacceptable,” the judges said in a joint statement.

The group of judges also sent a formal request to Gov. Bill Lee seeking “immediate steps” for public safety and security around the courthouse. They made the requests after Ogles posted a comment on social media about Somali migrant Muhammad A. Muhammad who is charged with raping a woman at a Nolensville church. She later died. Ogles said the man had been arrested more than 12 times, mostly on minor charges that were dismissed, according to the post on X, formerly Twitter, initially reported by WSMV.

“Every judge and prosecutor who let him off the hook was a Democrat. As long as local liberals are running things in Middle Tennessee, we are at war. The state should impeach all of the judges. Send the (Tennessee National Guard)guard to Nashville,” Ogles said in the post that included pictures of judges.

The 5th District congressman has followed the lead of President Donald Trump in going after immigrants, including Somalians. The man charged in this case reportedly has legal status.

Ogles previously criticized Metro Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for his opposition to a federal sweep of South Nashville streets in May for immigrant residents. 

The governor deployed National Guard troops to Memphis in September following a memo by President Donald Trump to reduce crime in the city with a task force of hundreds of local, state and federal officers.

Early Wednesday, Ogles continued to rail against the jurists, saying on Facebook, “If woke Davidson judges want more security in Nashville, they should join me in calling for the National Guard.”

In their letter to Lee, the judges said incidents of political violence have increased in recent years and urged him to boost security.

“The reckless use of violent rhetoric, such as that displayed by Mr. Ogles can embolden the most extreme elements and lead to tragic consequences,” their letter said.

The governor’s office didn’t respond to questions Wednesday about increasing security at the courthouse.
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