Retired officer jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement
Summary
Larry Bushart, a retired police officer, was jailed for 37 days in Tennessee after posting a Facebook meme related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tennessee officials agreed to pay Bushart $835,000 to settle his lawsuit, which claimed his free speech rights were violated.Key Facts
- Larry Bushart was arrested in September 2025 over a Facebook meme about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
- The meme referenced a quote by President Trump and a previous school shooting in Iowa.
- Some Perry County residents feared the meme was a threat to their local high school, leading to Bushart’s arrest.
- Bushart was held for 37 days before felony charges were dropped in October 2025.
- He lost his postretirement job and missed family milestones during his jail time.
- Tennessee agreed to pay $835,000 to settle Bushart’s federal lawsuit.
- The case highlighted tensions between free speech rights and public safety concerns.
- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression helped represent Bushart in the lawsuit.
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