A 61-year-old man, Larry Bushart, has finally been released from jail after spending over a month behind bars for reposting a Facebook meme that joked about the Perry County High School mass shooting. The meme in question included a picture of Donald Trump with the caption "We should get over it" and was posted by Bushart as part of a troll thread on a Facebook group.
Bushart's arrest was sparked by a response from the sheriff of Perry County, Nick Weems, who had expressed concern about the meme. The sheriff claimed that Bushart's post represented a true threat to schools and led to his arrest and charging under Tennessee's law that makes it a Class E felony to make threats against schools.
However, critics argue that the charges were likely motivated by politics rather than any actual threat. Bodycam footage obtained by local media outlets showed that Lexington police officers did not understand why the sheriff had taken issue with Bushart's post and were confused about the allegations made by Weems.
Despite claims from the sheriff that Bushart was "fully aware of the fear his post would cause" and intentionally sought to create hysteria, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, eyewitness accounts suggest that Weems' story was largely fabricated in order to justify the arrest and prosecute Bushart for speaking his mind.
The case has drawn widespread criticism from free speech advocates who argue that such laws can be used to silence people with unpopular views. Supreme Court precedent suggests that a high level of caution is needed when it comes to punishing speech, especially when it involves unintentionally threatening or upsetting others.
Bushart's release from jail has been welcomed by his supporters, including the "Free Larry Bushart" Facebook group, which has raised over $100,000 for his bail. However, the case highlights ongoing concerns about censorship and the use of laws to silence critics of government policies.
In a statement after his release, Bushart expressed relief at being able to go home but noted that he still faces challenges in his personal life due to the ordeal. His son, Taylor, added that while the family is grateful for the outpouring of support they have received, they remain committed to fighting for free speech and protecting their rights.
The incident has also sparked concerns about online censorship and the need for greater awareness around issues of free speech in America.
Bushart's arrest was sparked by a response from the sheriff of Perry County, Nick Weems, who had expressed concern about the meme. The sheriff claimed that Bushart's post represented a true threat to schools and led to his arrest and charging under Tennessee's law that makes it a Class E felony to make threats against schools.
However, critics argue that the charges were likely motivated by politics rather than any actual threat. Bodycam footage obtained by local media outlets showed that Lexington police officers did not understand why the sheriff had taken issue with Bushart's post and were confused about the allegations made by Weems.
Despite claims from the sheriff that Bushart was "fully aware of the fear his post would cause" and intentionally sought to create hysteria, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, eyewitness accounts suggest that Weems' story was largely fabricated in order to justify the arrest and prosecute Bushart for speaking his mind.
The case has drawn widespread criticism from free speech advocates who argue that such laws can be used to silence people with unpopular views. Supreme Court precedent suggests that a high level of caution is needed when it comes to punishing speech, especially when it involves unintentionally threatening or upsetting others.
Bushart's release from jail has been welcomed by his supporters, including the "Free Larry Bushart" Facebook group, which has raised over $100,000 for his bail. However, the case highlights ongoing concerns about censorship and the use of laws to silence critics of government policies.
In a statement after his release, Bushart expressed relief at being able to go home but noted that he still faces challenges in his personal life due to the ordeal. His son, Taylor, added that while the family is grateful for the outpouring of support they have received, they remain committed to fighting for free speech and protecting their rights.
The incident has also sparked concerns about online censorship and the need for greater awareness around issues of free speech in America.
This whole thing is crazy! I mean, come on, a meme about Trump with a caption like that... it's not like he was calling for actual violence or anything. It's just some dude trolling on Facebook and suddenly you're in jail? 
That doesn't seem right to me.
. And his son saying they're gonna keep fighting for free speech... that's what I'm talking about! We gotta stand up for ourselves and not let the government silence us just because we don't agree with them. 
... And yeah, I don't buy the sheriff's story either... seems like a total overreach to me 
. The fact that bodycam footage showed cops were confused about why they were getting involved is pretty telling, right? 
. Free speech advocates are all over this and rightfully so... it's like, we gotta protect our rights to express ourselves, even if others get upset 
.
. The sheriff trying to spin this as a threat to schools but theres literally no evidence to support it 
. Its clear he was just trying to silence someone with an unpopular opinion 
. This case is making me SO frustrated, especially since its drawing attention to how laws can be abused to stifle free speech 
. And can we talk about the $$$ raised for Larry's bail? Like, $100k? 
I mean, come on, Sheriff Weems was all over Bushart's case like a bad rash 
. And now it turns out the sheriff's entire story is a load of malarkey 
. The fact that Bushart was just trying to stir up some debate and wasn't even trying to be malicious makes this whole thing just sad 
. And what really gets me is that Weems' department spent over a month holding him in jail, just for exercising his right to free speech 
. I'm so glad Larry is finally out, but the fact that he's still dealing with the fallout from this ordeal is just messed up 
. And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that people are still trying to pass laws that silence critics of the government? It's like they think they're above the law or something 
. Give me a break! 
he reposted a meme and now he's paying the price 
and what really hurts is that this is happening in america 
where free speech should be protected 
The case of Larry Bushart serves as a sobering reminder of the precarious relationship between free speech and government overreach 
. The fact that bodycam footage contradicts the sheriff's claims and highlights a clear case of misinformation raises serious questions about accountability and the role of law enforcement in policing online speech 
.
. The fact that Bushart's supporters have rallied behind him, raising funds for his bail and advocating for his release, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of free speech 
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. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of modern communication, it's essential that we prioritize the protection of free speech while also acknowledging the potential risks and consequences associated with online expression 
.
. and can we talk about how ridiculous the "making threats against schools" law is? I'm all for free speech, even if it makes people uncomfortable 
. Bushart's just a dude who spoke his mind and got punished for it - not cool at all 
I guess what really gets me is that there are laws out there that can be used to silence people for speaking their minds. That's just not right 
"When you post a meme that's 90% satire and 10% trolling, but still manage to get arrested... what's next? 
