Retired police officer jailed over Charlie Kirk post settles lawsuit for more than $800K

May 20, 2026

Larry Bushart, a retired Tennessee police officer, received an $835,000 settlement after being wrongfully jailed for 37 days over a Facebook meme he posted about Charlie Kirk's death. Authorities arrested him on charges of threatening mass violence at a school, claiming his post—which featured a Trump quote saying "We have to get over it"—was intended to create fear in the community because a local school shared a name with one referenced in the original Trump statement. Bushart was held on a $2 million bond he couldn't afford and consequently lost his job and missed his grandchild's birth before charges were dropped.

Who is affected

Larry Bushart (retired police officer who was arrested and jailed)
Perry County, Tennessee (defendant in the lawsuit)
Sheriff Nick Weems (defendant in the lawsuit)
Jason Morrow, a county investigator (defendant in the lawsuit)
Bushart's family (he missed his grandchild's birth)
Bushart's employer (he lost his post-retirement job)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The settlement has been completed and charges were previously dropped.

Why it matters

This case represents a significant First Amendment vindication, demonstrating the importance of protecting free speech rights even when social media posts are controversial or poorly received. The substantial settlement underscores the serious consequences when government authorities unlawfully restrict constitutionally protected speech and wrongfully incarcerate citizens. The case also highlights the chilling effect that arrests and prosecutions can have on civil discourse and public participation in democratic debate.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC