Tennessee Man Wins $835,000 Settlement After Unlawful Arrest Over Charlie Kirk Post

Tennessee authorities have agreed to pay $835,000 to resolve a legal dispute involving a man who spent over a month in jail due to a Facebook post concerning the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

While numerous individuals across the United States faced job losses over social media posts about Kirk’s demise, Larry Bushart’s situation was exceptional as it led to criminal charges. The 61-year-old retired police officer endured 37 days in detention before the felony accusation was dropped in October.

During his incarceration, Bushart faced significant personal losses—losing his post-retirement job, missing his wedding anniversary, and being absent for his granddaughter’s birth. These circumstances were highlighted in the federal lawsuit he filed in December against Perry County, the county sheriff, and the investigator responsible for his arrest warrant.

“I am pleased that my First Amendment rights have been upheld,” Bushart expressed in a statement following the settlement on Wednesday. “Engagement in civil discourse is vital for a thriving democracy. I am eager to move forward and cherish time with my family.”

Bushart’s arrest occurred in September after he declined to remove Facebook memes that humorously referenced Kirk’s assassination. This event had deeply affected conservatives, particularly in Perry County, near Bushart’s residence, where a candlelight vigil was held in Kirk’s memory.

The meme Bushart posted that prompted his arrest read: “This seems relevant today…” and featured President Donald Trump and the words, “We have to get over it.” That quote, the meme explained, was said by Trump in 2024 after a school shooting at Iowa’s Perry High School.

Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems told news outlets that most of Bushart’s “hate memes” were lawful free speech, but residents were alarmed by the school shooting post, fearing Bushart was threatening a local school, also called Perry County High School, even though Weems said he knew the meme referred to a school in Iowa.

“Investigators believe Bushart was fully aware of the fear his post would cause and intentionally sought to create hysteria within the community,” Weems said in a statement to The Tennessean last year.

Bushart’s bail was set at $2 million before he was released as the case drew national attention.

“It’s in times of turmoil and heightened tensions that our national commitment to free speech is tested the most,” said Cary Davis, an attorney for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which helped represent Bushart. “When government officials fail that test, the Constitution exists to hold them accountable. Our hope is that Larry’s settlement sends a message to law enforcement across the country: Respect the First Amendment today, or be prepared to pay the price tomorrow.”