A retired Tennessee police officer who spent 37 days in jail over a Facebook meme connected to the death of Charlie Kirk has now received an $835,000 settlement.
Larry Bushart, 61, filed a federal lawsuit after being arrested last year by the Perry County Sheriff’s Office following a social media post authorities claimed could be interpreted as a threat.
The case quickly drew national attention and sparked debate over free speech, online speech policing, and the limits of law enforcement authority.
The Meme That Led to His Arrest
According to reports, Bushart shared a meme referencing a statement made by Donald Trump after a 2024 school shooting in Perry, Iowa.
Bushart reportedly added the caption “Seems relevant today” beneath the image shortly after memorial events were held for Kirk. Authorities later claimed local residents interpreted the post as a possible threat toward Perry County High School in Tennessee.
Bushart denied any threatening intent and argued the meme was clearly political commentary protected under the First Amendment.
Held on $2 Million Bond
The retired officer was arrested and charged with threatening mass violence at a school. Because his bond was reportedly set at $2 million, Bushart remained jailed for more than five weeks before prosecutors eventually dropped the charges.
During that time, he reportedly lost his post-retirement job and missed major family milestones, including the birth of his granddaughter.
The case became one of the most widely discussed examples of alleged government overreach tied to online speech following Kirk’s death.
Lawsuit Claimed Constitutional Violations
Bushart later sued Perry County officials, including Sheriff Nick Weems, claiming wrongful arrest, prosecution, and incarceration.
According to the lawsuit, officials could not provide evidence that anyone genuinely interpreted the meme as a direct threat. The local school district reportedly stated it had no records related to panic or threats connected to the post.
His attorneys argued the arrest violated both his First Amendment free speech protections and Fourth Amendment rights.
Settlement Ends the Case
This week, both sides agreed to settle the lawsuit for $835,000. Under the agreement, Bushart dismissed his claims while county officials did not admit wrongdoing.
“I am pleased my First Amendment rights have been vindicated,” Bushart said following the settlement announcement.
The case is now being widely discussed as a major legal victory involving online speech and constitutional protections in the social media era.
