What Happened to Larry Bushart?
Larry Bushart, a retired Tennessee law enforcement officer, was jailed for 37 days in late 2025 for posting a Facebook meme featuring a Donald Trump quote about a school shooting, which authorities in Perry County misinterpreted as a threat to a local school. After charges were dropped due to widespread criticism and First Amendment concerns, Bushart filed a federal lawsuit against the county and its sheriff. As of May 20, 2026, Bushart has settled his lawsuit for $835,000, vindicating his free speech rights.
Quick Answer
Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired Tennessee police officer, was arrested on September 21, 2025, and jailed for 37 days for sharing a Facebook meme that authorities in Perry County deemed a threat of mass violence. The meme, which featured a Donald Trump quote about a school shooting, was misinterpreted by local officials despite its clear reference to an Iowa incident. After his release and the felony charge being dropped, Bushart filed a federal lawsuit alleging violations of his First and Fourth Amendment rights. On May 20, 2026, it was announced that Bushart reached an $835,000 settlement with Perry County, its sheriff, and an investigator.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Perry High School (Iowa) Shooting
A school shooting occurs at Perry High School in Iowa, after which Donald Trump makes the comment, 'We have to get over it.'
Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is assassinated, leading to widespread grief and public commentary.
Larry Bushart Arrested
Larry Bushart is arrested by Perry County, Tennessee authorities for posting a Facebook meme featuring Donald Trump's 'get over it' quote, captioned 'This seems relevant today…'
Charged with Felony and $2M Bail
Bushart is charged with threatening mass violence at a school, a felony, and his bail is set at an unusually high $2 million, which he cannot afford.
Released from Jail
After spending 37 days in jail, Bushart is released after prosecutors indicate they will seek to dismiss the charge against him.
Felony Charge Dropped
Authorities officially drop the felony charge of threatening mass violence against Larry Bushart, following national attention and criticism from free-speech advocates.
AP Reports on Dropped Charge
The Associated Press reports on the dropping of the felony charge against Bushart, highlighting the free-speech concerns raised by his arrest.
Bushart Files Federal Lawsuit
Larry Bushart, with the support of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), files a federal lawsuit against Perry County, Sheriff Nick Weems, and an investigator, alleging First and Fourth Amendment violations.
Reason Magazine Covers Lawsuit
Reason Magazine reports on Bushart's lawsuit, detailing the arguments that his arrest for constitutionally protected speech violated his rights.
$835,000 Settlement Announced
Larry Bushart reaches an $835,000 settlement with Perry County, its sheriff, and an investigator, concluding his lawsuit over his unlawful incarceration.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired law enforcement officer residing in Henderson County, Tennessee, became the subject of national attention in late 2025 after his arrest over a Facebook meme. On September 21, 2025, Bushart was taken into custody by Perry County authorities and charged with threatening mass violence at a school, a felony offense. The arrest stemmed from a meme he posted in a Facebook group, which depicted former President Donald Trump with the quote, “We have to get over it.” The meme explicitly stated that Trump had made this remark after a January 2024 school shooting at Perry High School in Iowa. Bushart added the caption, “This seems relevant today…”
Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems justified the arrest by claiming that some residents interpreted the meme as a threat to the local Perry County High School, even though he admitted investigators were aware the meme referenced the Iowa incident. Weems stated that Bushart's post caused "mass hysteria" and that Bushart refused to delete it. Bushart's bail was set at an unusually high $2 million, which he was unable to pay, leading to him spending 37 days in jail. During his incarceration, he lost his post-retirement job and missed significant family events, including his wedding anniversary and the birth of his granddaughter.
The case drew widespread condemnation from free-speech advocates, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), who argued that Bushart's arrest was a clear violation of his First Amendment rights. In October 2025, after more than a month in jail, prosecutors sought to dismiss the felony charge against Bushart, and he was released on September 29, 2025. The charges were officially dropped shortly thereafter.
Following his release, in December 2025, Bushart, with the assistance of FIRE, filed a federal lawsuit against Perry County, Sheriff Nick Weems, and an investigator. The lawsuit alleged violations of his First and Fourth Amendment rights, arguing that he was arrested without probable cause and subjected to malicious prosecution for constitutionally protected speech. The suit highlighted the chilling effect such an arrest could have on free expression.
The legal battle concluded on May 20, 2026, when it was announced that Larry Bushart had reached an $835,000 settlement with the defendants. Bushart expressed satisfaction that his First Amendment rights had been vindicated, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse in a healthy democracy. This settlement marks a significant victory for free speech, underscoring the legal protections against arbitrary arrests for online political commentary, even when perceived as insensitive by some.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Larry Bushart made different choices?