Table of Contents
- Arrest Over Facebook Meme
- What the Meme Actually Said
- Public and Legal Backlash
- Free Speech Concerns
- Sources
Tennessee Man Jailed Over Meme Freed After Backlash
Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired law enforcement officer from Lexington, Tennessee, walked out of jail this week after spending more than a month behind bars—all because of a meme he shared on Facebook.
Bushart’s arrest in late September followed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University. In the emotionally charged aftermath, Bushart posted political commentary in a local Facebook group, including a meme referencing former President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks after a school shooting in Perry, Iowa.
What the Meme Actually Said
The meme featured a photo of Donald Trump with the quote: “We have to get over it.” The caption clarified the context: “Donald Trump, on the Perry High School mass shooting, one day after.” Bushart added a note: “This seems relevant today …”
According to Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems, some local residents interpreted the post as a threat against Perry County High School. Despite knowing the meme was old and originally referenced a tragedy in Iowa—not Tennessee—the sheriff’s office pressed charges after Bushart refused to delete the post.
He was charged with “recklessly threatening mass violence at a school,” a felony that carried a staggering $2 million bail.
Public and Legal Backlash
The case quickly drew national attention. Outlets like The Intercept and Nashville’s WTVF covered the story extensively, highlighting what many saw as an overreach by local authorities.
On October 29, 2025, prosecutors quietly dropped the felony charge. Court records confirm Bushart’s release, though officials have not publicly explained their reversal. His attorney confirmed the release but declined further comment.
Free Speech Concerns Spark National Debate
Civil liberties groups and free speech advocates condemned the arrest as a dangerous precedent. “Punishing someone for sharing widely circulated political satire—even if edgy or poorly timed—crosses a red line in a democratic society,” said one legal analyst.
Bushart, known in his rural community for posting liberal-leaning memes despite his conservative surroundings, reportedly told officers upon arrest: “I’ve been in Facebook jail… but I’m really in it now.”
The incident underscores the growing tension between online expression and law enforcement interpretation in the wake of high-profile tragedies. With social media often serving as both town square and battleground, the line between satire, commentary, and threat remains dangerously blurry.
