PERRY COUNTY, United States — A retired law enforcement officer in Tennessee has received an $835,000 (about Sh108 million) settlement after spending 37 days in jail over a Facebook meme linked to President Donald Trump.
Larry Bushart was arrested in September 2025 after sharing a meme during an online discussion about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The case later sparked national debate in the United States over free speech, political expression, and police powers on social media.
Court filings show Bushart reposted an image carrying the phrase “This seems relevant today” alongside a past quote from Trump saying, “We have to get over it.” Trump originally made the remarks after a 2024 school shooting in Iowa.
Authorities in Perry County claimed some residents interpreted the post as a possible threat toward a local school. Bushart refused to delete the meme and was later arrested by county officers.
He remained behind bars for more than five weeks before securing his release.
According to court records, Bushart lost his job during the detention period. He also missed his wedding anniversary and the birth of his granddaughter.
Bushart later filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Perry County, Sheriff Nick Weems, and a county investigator. He argued that the arrest violated his First Amendment right to free speech and his Fourth Amendment protection against unlawful arrest.
The case was backed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression alongside local attorney Katherine Phillips.
Under the settlement announced on May 20, Perry County agreed to pay Bushart $835,000 in exchange for the dismissal of the lawsuit. County officials, however, did not admit wrongdoing.
Adam Steinbaugh, a senior attorney with FIRE, condemned the arrest.
“No one should be hauled off to jail in the dark of night over a harmless meme just because the authorities disagree with its message,” he said.
The case has renewed scrutiny over how American authorities handle political speech online, especially during periods of heightened public tension.
Free speech advocates argue the outcome sends a strong warning against the misuse of police powers to silence controversial or unpopular opinions. Legal analysts say the settlement could also influence future court challenges involving social media posts and constitutional protections.
The dispute comes as courts across the United States continue to examine the balance between public safety concerns and freedom of expression in the digital age.
Critics of the arrest say the case reflects growing concerns over government overreach and the criminalisation of online political commentary. Supporters of the county’s actions maintain authorities acted in response to fears raised by residents after a high-profile killing.
Perry County, which has fewer than 10,000 residents, is expected to shoulder the financial cost of the settlement through taxpayer funds.
