Larry Bushart, a Tennessee resident, was jailed for 37 days after posting on Facebook about the death of Charlie Kirk. He will receive an $835,000 settlement from the sheriff who detained him, according to his lawyers.
Mr. Kirk, a conservative activist, was fatally shot last September. His death sparked widespread social media discussions nationwide. It led to controversies involving firings and resignations and sparked debates over free speech boundaries. Larry Bushart was among the few to face criminal charges related to social media posts after Kirk’s death.
Mr. Bushart shared memes on Facebook accusing Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, of promoting hate. He also shared a meme including comments from President Trump on moving past a school shooting. The sheriff’s office in Perry County, Tennessee, alleged that these posts incited violence.
With his bail set at $2 million, Mr. Bushart remained in jail until the charge was dismissed. In a statement, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome and emphasized the importance of freedom in civil discourse. He looks forward to spending time with his family.
At 61, the retired law enforcement officer is not the only person to win compensation for repercussions after comments on Mr. Kirk’s death. In January, a professor from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee settled with the university for $500,000 and was reinstated to his position. In Iowa, a public defender was rehired and awarded $125,000 after being dismissed.