Tennessee man gets $835K after wrongful arrest over Facebook post on Charlie Kirk
Larry Bushart secured an $835,000 settlement over his wrongful arrest for a Facebook post about Charlie Kirk.
Why it matters: The case puts a spotlight on law enforcement's treatment of online speech and the legal risks when constitutional limits are ignored. Legal professionals navigating civil rights and digital expression face rising scrutiny and litigation around policing of social media content.
- Larry Bushart was arrested in September 2025 for a meme referencing Charlie Kirk and Trump.
- He spent 37 days in jail on a $2 million bail before the felony charge was dropped.
- Bushart lost his post-retirement job and missed major family events during incarceration.
- On May 20, 2026, Tennessee officials agreed to an $835,000 settlement in a related First Amendment lawsuit.
Retired Tennessee police officer Larry Bushart was arrested in September 2025 for posting a Facebook meme about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The meme, mixing commentary on President Trump and a 2024 Iowa school shooting, was deemed threatening by authorities.
- Bushart, 61, was jailed for 37 days, with bail set at $2 million, before prosecutors dropped the felony charge in October 2025.
- During his time behind bars, Bushart lost a job and missed family milestones, including his wedding anniversary and granddaughter’s birth.
In December 2025, Bushart filed a federal lawsuit against Perry County and its officials for alleged First Amendment violations. His settlement, finalized May 20, 2026, totaled $835,000.
Bushart said, “I am pleased my First Amendment rights have been vindicated. The people's freedom to participate in civil discourse is crucial to a healthy democracy.”
The case underscores growing legal attention on law enforcement’s handling of online speech—especially after high-profile events—and signals significant risk to agencies found stepping beyond constitutional bounds. Details on how the $2 million bail was set and officials’ decision process in Perry County remain unavailable.
Legal professionals are increasingly called to advise clients on the boundaries of digital expression and state action. As the scrutiny grows, stakes are likely to rise for both individuals and law enforcement in similar disputes.
By the numbers:
- $2 million — Bail set for Bushart after Facebook post
- 37 days — Time Bushart spent in jail before charges dropped
- $835,000 — Settlement amount awarded to Bushart
Yes, but: The criteria for setting the high bail and internal decision-making by Perry County officials have not been disclosed.