DA drops charge against man arrested for Perry-linked Charlie Kirk social media posts

Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old former police officer from Lexington, Tennessee, had charges of threatening mass violence dropped after posting a controversial meme related to a school shooting. The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office announced the dismissal of the case on October 29, 2025, following Bushart's five-week incarceration. His Facebook post included a meme of President Trump discussing the need to "get over" the school shootings in Perry, which sparked alarm among teachers, parents, and students who interpreted it as a potential threat. Sheriff Nick Weems acknowledged that while most of Bushart's posts were protected under free speech, the specific meme caused significant concern. Critics, including state officials, argued that the case represented a dangerous precedent for free speech rights and a misuse of state law to suppress expression.

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones voiced his apprehensions in a letter to local authorities, highlighting the need to protect constitutional rights. The incident highlights the tension between social media expression and community safety concerns. Bushart's next court date was originally set for December 4, but with the charges dropped, his legal troubles appear to be resolved for now.