Retired Officer Receives $835K Settlement After Unlawful Arrest Over Meme

Larry Bushart, a retired police officer from Tennessee, has settled a lawsuit for $835,000 after being unlawfully incarcerated for 37 days due to a Facebook meme related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The lawsuit, which alleged violations of his constitutional rights, was set to go to trial in July before the settlement was reached. Bushart’s arrest stemmed from a meme he shared that was interpreted as a threat to a local school, leading to significant personal and professional repercussions for him. Although the county and involved officials did not admit wrongdoing, the settlement underscores the importance of First Amendment rights in civil discourse.

Key Details: • Bushart was jailed for 37 days after his arrest in September 2022. • The lawsuit was settled for $835,000, with the county's insurer covering the payment. • Bushart's arrest was linked to a meme about a vigil for Charlie Kirk, which was misinterpreted as a threat. • The case raised significant concerns about free speech and wrongful incarceration.