Williamson County home of Tennessee Holler founder targeted in weekend shooting

BY MATT MASTERS

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are investigating an April 1 shooting in College Grove. Progressive media activist Justin Kanew says his home was the target of the shooting.

While WCSO would not confirm that their investigation relates to Kanew, who is the founder and editor of the liberal site The Tennessee Holler and a former candidate for political office, Kanew publicly acknowledged the incident Tuesday in a social media post.

“On Saturday night, someone targeted our home by shooting several bullets into our house while my family was sleeping,” Kanew said. “This violence has no place in a civilized society and we are thankful no one was physically hurt.

“The authorities have not completed their investigation and right now we do not know for sure the reason for this attack,” Kanew continued. “We urge the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office to continue to investigate this crime and help shed light on Saturday’s unfortunate events and bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. In the meantime, our family remains focused on keeping our children healthy and safe. We don’t plan on making any additional statements at this time and hope everyone will respect our privacy.”

WCSO said in a news release that deputies responded to the Falls Grove neighborhood of College Grove after the incident occurred sometime between 10 and 10:30 p.m. in what they called an “aggravated assault.”

WCSO refused to answer any questions about the ongoing investigation, and is asking anyone with information about this shooting to contact WCSO Det. Robert Daub at 615790-5554, Ext. 3221 or by email at robert. daub@williamsoncounty-tn.gov.

Anonymous tips can also be made by calling Crime Stoppers of Williamson County at 615-794-4000, where they may be eligible for a reward.

The Tennessee Holler is involved in both progressive activism and journalism, having gained a large following locally and nationwide thanks in large part to their coverage of politics and social issues since their founding in 2019.

Just hours before the shooting, Kanew was covering a gun reform protest on Franklin’s public square.

In an April 6 news release, Tennessee

Attorney General Skrmetti condemned political violence, citing several recent incidnets including the College Grove shooting.

“Over the weekend, an unknown assailant fired into the home of a local political activist while his children were sleeping inside. I don’t know him personally, though I know I often disagree with him. Regardless of any differences of opinion, though, as a dad and as an attorney general I cannot tolerate this attack against him and his family,” the release reads.

“Our participatory democracy is being tested by these escalating acts of political violence. No Tennessean should have to worry about their safety, or the safety of their family, because of the opinions they express.”