Justin Kanew, founder of the Tennessee Holler, at right, moderating a debate at Tennessee State University between Democratic gubernatorial candidates on June 22, 2022. (Photo: John Partipilo)
The founder of the Tennessee Holler, a progressive news site, posted on Twitter Wednesday that several shots were fired at his home over the weekend.
Justin Kanew said several bullets struck his Williamson County home while his family was asleep Saturday night.
“Someone targeted our home,” Kanew said in a statement. “This violence has no place in a civilized society and we are thankful no one was physically hurt.”
“We do not know for sure the reason for this attack,” he added, noting the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office was investigating.
Kanew is known for his intense scrutiny of Republicans at the Tennessee Capitol, often using his phone to film GOP lawmakers while he follows them to ask them questions. Republicans often refer to Kanew as a liberal activist.
During the 2023 legislative session, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, called Kanew a “jackass” and “loser” for asking about his support of anti-LGTBQ legislation. While, Gov. Bill Lee told Kanew his question about a photo of the governor dressed in drag in high school was “ridiculous.”
The Tennessee Holler also broke the news that Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, had frequently commented on racy Instagram pictures of a young gay man.
The shooting at Kanew’s house came less than a week after six were killed — including three 9-year-old students — in a mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville.
Before founding the Holler, Kanew ran for U.S. Congress in Tennessee’s 7th District as Democrat and participated in the TV competition show The Amazing Race.
Kanew said he filed a report with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and urged them to keep investigating.
“In the meantime, our family remains focused on keeping our children healthy and safe,” Kanew said.
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