Tennessee man jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement
Larry Bushart, a Tennessee man, received an $835,000 settlement after being jailed for 37 days due to a Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His case highlighted the tension between free speech and public safety, as local officials expressed concern over the potential threat posed by his post. Bushart's arrest and subsequent legal battle have sparked discussions about the limits of free expression in the digital age.
- ▪Larry Bushart was jailed for 37 days over a Facebook post related to Charlie Kirk's assassination.
- ▪He received an $835,000 settlement from Tennessee officials after filing a lawsuit.
- ▪Bushart lost his job and missed significant family events during his time in jail.
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Larry Bushart. Photograph: LadyJay Creations LLCView image in fullscreenLarry Bushart. Photograph: LadyJay Creations LLCCharlie Kirk shootingTennessee man jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlementLarry Bushart was jailed for 37 days over a Facebook post after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie KirkAssociated PressWed 20 May 2026 16.26 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTennessee officials will pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who was jailed for more than a month over a Facebook post he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.While many people across the US lost their jobs over social media comments about Kirk’s death, Larry Bushart’s case stood out as a rare instance in which such online speech led to criminal…
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