Story perspectives

Larry Bushart Wins $835K Settlement Over Trump-Meme Arrest

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Larry Bushart receives $835,000 settlement for wrongful incarceration in Perry County.
He was detained 37 days after posting a meme linking a vigil to a comment by President Donald Trump about shooting.
The detention required $2 million bail and cost him his post-retirement medical-transport job.
The lawsuit, filed with Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations, leading officials who declined wrongdoing to have insurer pay settlement.

1 of 1

Story summary

Larry Bushart receives $835,000 settlement for wrongful incarceration in Perry County.
He was detained 37 days after posting a meme linking a vigil to a comment by President Donald Trump about shooting.
The detention required $2 million bail and cost him his post-retirement medical-transport job.
The lawsuit, filed with Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations, leading officials who declined wrongdoing to have insurer pay settlement.