Former Cop Sues Sheriff's Office Over 37-Day Wrongful Detention for Online Post

Larry Bushart, a former law enforcement officer, has filed a lawsuit against the Perry County Sheriff's Office, alleging that he was wrongfully jailed for 37 days due to his online post about a Charlie Kirk vigil. Bushart was arrested in February after he shared a series of memes on a Facebook group, including one that referenced a 2024 school shooting, which was perceived as a threat by the authorities. The post was made in response to the perceived lack of attention given to other victims of gun violence. According to the lawsuit, Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems acknowledged that he knew the meme referenced a prior school shooting, but maintained that Bushart's post incited mass hysteria from parents concerned about a potential threat to a local high school. Weems had justified the arrest and a $2 million bond, citing Bushart's indifference to the supposed hysteria. However, Bushart's lawyer claims that the sheriff's office had a motive to keep him imprisoned for as long as possible due to their disagreement with his point of view. Bushart, who lost his post-retirement job as a result of the incident, has maintained that his post was not a threat, but rather a commentary on the lack of attention given to other victims of gun violence. "I was simply expressing my frustration and disappointment that Charlie Kirk's death received more attention than other victims of gun violence," Bushart said in a statement. "I never intended to incite mass hysteria or threaten anyone." The incident highlights the complexities of online speech and the challenges of balancing free expression with public safety concerns. "The line between free speech and incitement to violence can be blurry, and law enforcement agencies must be careful not to overstep their bounds," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "However, in this case, it appears that the sheriff's office may have acted with a bias against Bushart's point of view, which is a serious concern." The lawsuit is currently pending in court, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. Bushart's lawyer has stated that they will seek damages for wrongful imprisonment and other related claims. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of law enforcement in policing online speech and the need for greater transparency and accountability in such cases. As the case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the courts address the issues of free speech, online expression, and law enforcement overreach. The implications of this case will likely have far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the complexities of online speech and the importance of protecting free expression.