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Tennessee Officer Gets $835K Settlement Over Charlie Kirk Meme

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Larry Bushart, a Tennessee police officer, will receive an $835,000 settlement from Perry County, the largest payout linked to the Charlie Kirk controversy.
Sheriff Nick Weems said the meme pairing U.S. President Donald Trump’s quote with a school-shooting was seen as a threat to Perry High School.
The settlement, arranged by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, compensates Bushart for employment loss and missed family events without admitting wrongdoing.

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Story summary

Larry Bushart, a Tennessee police officer, will receive an $835,000 settlement from Perry County, the largest payout linked to the Charlie Kirk controversy.
Sheriff Nick Weems said the meme pairing U.S. President Donald Trump’s quote with a school-shooting was seen as a threat to Perry High School.
The settlement, arranged by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, compensates Bushart for employment loss and missed family events without admitting wrongdoing.