Tennessee Man Settles for $835,000 After Arrest Over Facebook Post

Larry Bushart, a retired police officer from Tennessee, has reached an $835,000 settlement after spending over a month in jail due to a Facebook post. His arrest, which raised concerns about free speech, stemmed from a meme referencing a statement by former President Trump. Bushart's case has drawn national attention, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse and First Amendment rights. Following the settlement, he expressed relief and a desire to focus on family. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding online speech and legal accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 00:57 IST

Settlement Following Controversial Arrest

A man from Tennessee, Larry Bushart, who is 61 years old and a retired police officer, has settled for $835,000 with county officials after spending over a month in jail due to a Facebook post. His arrest occurred in September when he shared a meme that referenced a statement made by former President Donald Trump following a school shooting in Iowa in 2024. The meme included the phrase 'We have to get over it' alongside an image of Trump.

Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems noted that while most of Bushart's social media content was protected under free speech, the specific meme raised concerns in the community as it mentioned 'Perry,' leading residents to believe it posed a threat to Perry County High School. Initially, Bushart's bail was set at an astonishing $2 million. He ultimately spent 37 days in jail before the felony charge was dismissed in October. During his incarceration, he lost his post-retirement job, missed his wedding anniversary, and was absent for the birth of his granddaughter.

Legal Action and Settlement

In December, Bushart initiated a federal lawsuit against Perry County, the sheriff, and the investigator responsible for the arrest warrant. The county's agreement to the $835,000 settlement was made public on Wednesday. Bushart expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, 'I am pleased my First Amendment rights have been vindicated.' He emphasized the importance of civil discourse in a healthy democracy and looked forward to spending quality time with his family.

Cary Davis, Bushart's attorney from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, remarked that the case highlighted the challenges of free speech protections in a climate of increased tension. 'When government officials fail that test, the Constitution exists to hold them accountable,' Davis stated, hoping that Bushart's settlement would serve as a warning to law enforcement nationwide.

Perry County Mayor John Carroll has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the case, which has garnered national attention as a rare instance where online speech resulted in criminal charges. Bushart's legal team argued that his arrest was a violation of his First Amendment rights.