Tennessee officials agreed to pay $835,000 to resolve a lawsuit filed by Larry Bushart, a retired police officer jailed for over a month due to a Facebook post. His post related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to a felony charge that was later dropped.
Many faced job loss for their comments about Kirk’s death, but Bushart’s case was notable for resulting in criminal charges. He spent 37 days in jail, missing significant family events before the charge was dismissed in October.
Bushart filed a federal lawsuit against Perry County, its sheriff, and the investigator responsible for his arrest. In a statement about the settlement, he emphasized the importance of free speech, stating, “The people’s freedom to participate in civil discourse is crucial to a healthy democracy.”
In September, authorities arrested Bushart for refusing to remove memes about Kirk’s death. These memes included one that referenced President Donald Trump and a school shooting in Iowa, which led locals to fear a threat to Perry County High School.
Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems acknowledged that while Bushart’s posts largely constituted free speech, the school shooting meme had alarmed the community. He indicated that investigators believed Bushart sought to incite fear intentionally.
Bushart was initially held on a $2 million bail. His release followed significant national attention, highlighting the ongoing tension between free speech and public safety.
Cary Davis, representing the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, commented, “It’s in times of turmoil and heightened tensions that our national commitment to free speech is tested the most.” Davis hopes the settlement serves as a warning to respect the First Amendment to avoid financial repercussions.