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Alabama, Tennessee Workers Sue Over Termination for Kirk Criticism

11/1/2025

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Employees Sue Over Termination

State employees in Alabama and Tennessee sue for wrongful termination over social media posts criticizing Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last month.
Auburn University landscape supervisor Kevin Courtwright and Alabama instructor Candice Hale allege their First Amendment rights were violated.
Courtwright’s post referenced Kirk’s pro-gun stance; Candice Hale expressed disdain for Kirk’s ideology.
Retired officer Larry Bushart was jailed for a month after posting a meme about Kirk’s death.

Left

Bushart Charges Dropped

Tennessee authorities dropped felony charges against Larry Bushart, a former officer, after his month-long detention over a Facebook meme about Charlie Kirk's death.
The meme referenced a school shooting and spurred accusations of threatening mass violence.
Sheriff Nick Weems said the post caused community fear, though officials found no panic.
Bushart said he never intended controversy and expressed relief at his release.

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Employees Sue Over Termination

State employees in Alabama and Tennessee sue for wrongful termination over social media posts criticizing Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last month.
Auburn University landscape supervisor Kevin Courtwright and Alabama instructor Candice Hale allege their First Amendment rights were violated.
Courtwright’s post referenced Kirk’s pro-gun stance; Candice Hale expressed disdain for Kirk’s ideology.
Retired officer Larry Bushart was jailed for a month after posting a meme about Kirk’s death.

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