News Summary
A former police officer in Lexington, Tennessee, has been arrested for making threatening social media posts regarding a school. Larry Bushart’s comments, which included a meme about a potential school shooting, raised alarms among community members, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. He faces serious charges under a new state law aimed at addressing threats of mass violence. His first court appearance has already occurred, with further hearings scheduled to determine his bond and the legal implications of his actions as national attention focuses on school safety and free speech issues.
Tennessee Man Faces Serious Charges Over Social Media Threats
In a rather alarming case making headlines, a **61-year-old former police officer** from **Lexington, Tennessee** has been arrested following a series of social media posts that raised significant concerns among community members. This man, identified as **Larry Bushart**, was taken into custody on **September 22** and is facing serious charges related to making threats of mass violence at a school.
What Sparked the Arrest?
The charges against Bushart find their roots in a collection of social media posts he made on **September 10** regarding conservative influencer **Charlie Kirk**. These posts were shared in the comments section of a local **Perry County community Facebook group page**, where members had gathered to organize a vigil for Kirk, which was scheduled for **September 23** in ***Linden***.
As members of the group prepared for the event to honor Kirk, Bushart’s comments turned out to be anything but respectful. Some of his posts were described by Sheriff **Nick Weems** as “hate memes.” However, in the eyes of the law, these memes did not cross the line into illegal territory and were protected under free speech.
One Meme Raises Alarm
Among the posts made by Bushart, there was one that particularly caught law enforcement’s attention. It featured a “Trump meme” coupled with a quote from former President **Trump** concerning a potential **January 2024 school shooting** in ***Perry County, Iowa***. The meme included the caption, ***“This seems relevant today,”*** stirring unease among community members due to its ambiguous implications. The post led many to believe there could be a threat of a shooting at a local school, raising red flags for law enforcement authorities.
Collaboration of Local Law Enforcement
In response to the concerning meme, the **Perry County Sheriff’s Office** and the **Lexington Police Department** quickly collaborated to locate and apprehend Bushart. The urgency of the situation highlights ongoing worries about safety within schools and the growing scrutiny surrounding free speech on social media platforms.
Legal Implications and Bond Hearing
Bushart’s first court appearance was held on **October 9**, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for **December 4** to discuss his bond situation. Initially, his bond was set at a staggering **$2 million**. Given that he is charged under a **state law** that was enacted in **July 2024**, which classifies making threats against schools as a **Class E felony**, the legal stakes are pretty high for Bushart. This law has garnered some criticism, as it has reportedly led to a significant rise in arrests for threats of mass violence throughout the state.
A Nationwide Concern
Interestingly, this incident involving Bushart is part of a larger national conversation stemming from various social media threats associated with Kirk’s assassination. Following the tragic event, there have been numerous firings and suspensions across the U.S. as institutions have taken swift actions against individuals making offensive posts concerning Kirk. In the **2024 fiscal year alone**, over **500 children in Tennessee** faced arrests under the current mass violence threat laws.
This alarming trend reflects an escalating concern among communities about school safety and the blurred lines regarding the interpretation of free speech online. Additionally, a **recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling** has set stringent standards for identifying what constitutes a “true threat” that is not protected by the **First Amendment**, adding to the complexity of these situations.
Community Reactions
As the case develops, local communities are left reflecting on the balance between ensuring safety and preserving the values of free expression. Larry Bushart’s arrest not only makes headlines but serves as a reminder of the implications of our words and actions in the digital age. With his next court appearance set for early December, many are watching closely to see how this unfolding situation will impact discussions around safety in schools and the repercussions of social media activity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tennessean: Hearing Set for Ex-Tennessee Cop
- WSMV: Teenager Arrested in Perry County Online School Threat
- Buffalo River Review: Bushart Scheduled for Court Appearance
- Reason: Tennessee Man Arrested for Posting Facebook Meme
- Fox 17: Perry County Schools Closed Monday Following Online Threat
- Wikipedia: Free Speech
- Google Search: School Safety in Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Social Media Threats and Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Free Speech
- Google News: School Threats Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
