Image Credit: @CSexton25 / X & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
An encounter between a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) officer and a Metro-Nashville Police Officer (MNPD) made national news, not just because the altercation became heated, but because it was revealed that Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton was the passenger in the vehicle the officer attempted to pull over.
Bodycam footage of the incident showed the Metro officer initiating a traffic stop after clocking a black SUV going 85 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.
Police records indicate the officer followed the vehicle for several miles before it finally pulled over. The video also shows the SUV activating its blue emergency lights to signal it was part of a protection detail, but the MNPD officer drove alongside the detail and yelled for the vehicle to pull over.
“Get over here,” the officer shouted to the plainclothes THP trooper who abruptly charged out of the vehicle. The trooper identified himself to the officer but apparently came too close, putting his hands on the officer, prompting the officer to shove him away, saying, “I don’t care who you are!”
The officer said, “If you touch me again, I’m going to lock you up, my friend.” The trooper then showed his badge and explained he was escorting Sexton. “I’ve got the Tennessee House Speaker in the car, and we’re moving,” the trooper said.
Things became more heated when the trooper remained belligerent and the officer shoved him again. “If you’re going to run 85 mph in a 55-mph zone, you need to yield to police,” the officer said. “I don’t care who you think you are.”
“I am the police!” the trooper replied, to which the officer shot back, “Well, the police are trying to stop you because you’re breaking the law. What’s your problem, dude?”
The two parted ways after the trooper showed the officer his ID and provided his badge number.
Following the incident, Sexton’s Chief of Staff Kevin Johnson filed a citizen complaint, sparking an internal investigation my MNPD into whether the Metro officer violated department policy. A spokesperson for Sexton said the MNPD officer’s actions were “overzealous” and “jeopardized the safety of Speaker Sexton and THP”.
“There was no violation of traffic laws by the THP officer pursuant to state law. In today’s climate of political violence, the job of executive protection is more difficult than ever,” Sexton’s office said in a statement.
MNPD’s investigation determined the traffic stop was lawful and within policy, and allegations of misconduct were either exonerated or declared to be unfounded.
Tennessee’s Fraternal Order of Police (TFOP) also threw their support behind the MNPD officer, saying the flashing blue lights alone do not override a lawful traffic stop and that incidents like this highlight the need for clear communication and de-escalation, especially when multiple law enforcement agencies are involved.
“He was doing his job,” TFOP President Scottie Delashmit said. “The officer was trying to ensure there was not a threat to the public. Any vehicle traveling above a posted speed limit should have emergency lights and sirens operating under Tennessee state law. Otherwise, you are to adhere to the same traffic laws anyone else does. This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided if there had been clearer communication and immediate compliance.”
What remains unknown is the impetus or justification for Sexton’s personal THP driver to be traveling so much faster than the speed limit, though the trooper maintained the blue lights he switched on indicated they were responding to other business.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol later said it “maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department built on mutual respect and shared professionalism, and we’re proud of the work our agencies accomplish together to keep Tennesseans safe.”
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
