Retired Cop Settles Lawsuit After Jailed Over Charlie Kirk Meme
Retired cop jailed over Charlie Kirk – A Tennessee law enforcement officer, Larry Bushart, recently settled a lawsuit over his 37-day unlawful incarceration stemming from a social media post linked to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The $835,000 agreement, finalized on Wednesday, allows Bushart to drop his claims against Perry County officials, including Sheriff Nick Weems and investigator Jason Morrow. The legal dispute, initially set for trial in late July before a federal jury in Memphis, originated 10 days after Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2024.
Background of the Case
Bushart, a Trump supporter, shared a Facebook meme connecting a local Tennessee vigil to a quote from the former president after a school shooting in Des Moines, Iowa. The post featured a photo of the candidate and his remark, “We have to get over it,” which authorities in Perry County interpreted as a threat to a school with a similar name. This led to Bushart’s arrest for allegedly inciting mass violence. His legal team, backed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, argued the detention violated his constitutional rights and disrupted his post-retirement livelihood.
“My First Amendment rights were affirmed through this settlement,” Bushart remarked in a press statement. “The ability to express political views freely is vital to democracy.”
Legal Process and Resolution
Bushart’s arrest triggered a five-month legal journey, culminating in a settlement instead of a trial. He was detained for 37 days due to an $800,000 bond, which he could not afford. A Tennessee district attorney later dismissed the sole charge against him, leading to his release. However, the lawsuit persisted, targeting the county for its actions and alleging unjust incarceration. The settlement, paid by Perry County’s insurance provider, does not concede fault, leaving the justification for the arrest intact.
Following Bushart’s post, four officers visited his home and arrested him, citing potential danger to Perry High School. At the time, local authorities believed the meme implied a threat to the school with the same name. The case has sparked debates about how social media content can be leveraged in legal actions, even when the context is clear.
Despite the financial resolution, Bushart’s ordeal highlights tensions between public safety and free speech. His legal team emphasized the meme was a non-threatening expression of opinion, not an actual threat. They criticized the county’s interpretation as overly broad, leading to prolonged detention without sufficient evidence.
The settlement underscores the complexities of interpreting online posts as threats. While Bushart’s case was resolved, it remains a symbol of the challenges individuals face when their words are perceived as potential dangers in a politically charged climate. The event, tied to Kirk’s assassination, became a focal point for discussions about political rhetoric and its legal consequences.
