Larry Bushart

Over $2 million has been paid in settlements to individuals fired or penalized for criticizing Charlie Kirk after his death, with multiple First Amendment lawsuits arising from employers regulating political speech. Cases include a Florida biologist, a Ball State University professor, and a Tennessee police officer who received significant settlements.

Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired Tennessee police officer, won an $850,000 settlement after being jailed for 37 days for refusing to remove a Facebook meme mocking Charlie Kirk's assassination. The arrest was based on an absurd interpretation that the meme posed a threat to a local school, violating his First Amendment rights. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) represented Bushart in the case, which highlights broader concerns about censorship of online speech.

Tennessee officials will pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Larry Bushart, who was jailed for over a month due to a Facebook post about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Bushart spent 37 days in jail before the felony charge was dropped. The settlement vindicates Bushart's First Amendment rights.

Perry County paid $835,000 to settle a lawsuit after Sheriff Nick Weems’ deputies jailed Larry Bushart for 37 days over a meme referencing President Donald Trump’s statement about a school shooting. The meme incorrectly linked Trump’s quote to Perry County High School, though it referenced an Iowa shooting, leading to dropped charges after public scrutiny.

Larry Bushart spent 37 days in jail over a Facebook post about Charlie Kirk and will receive $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. The lawsuit was related to his arrest over the post. Bushart's settlement is a result of the lawsuit.

Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired law enforcement officer from Tennessee, was jailed for 37 days over a social media post about Charlie Kirk and will receive an $835,000 settlement. The post was shared on Facebook and accused the Turning Point USA of being involved in Kirk's killing. Bushart's arrest occurred in September.

Larry Bushart, a retired Tennessee cop, won an $835,000 settlement after being jailed for 37 days over a Trump meme post on Facebook. He sued the county and sheriff, claiming they tried to censor him. Bushart's First Amendment rights were vindicated in the settlement.