News Summary
Larry Bushart, a former police officer from Lexington, Tennessee, was arrested for making threats of mass violence linked to social media posts. His alarming comments, made prior to a local vigil, raised serious concerns in the community about potential violence at schools. Following his arrest, Bushart appeared in court with his bond initially set at $2 million. The situation reflects a growing concern regarding public safety and the implications of online speech.
Former Officer Arrested for Threats of Mass Violence
In an alarming turn of events, Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old former police officer from Lexington, Tennessee, was taken into custody on September 22, 2023. His arrest stems from a series of social media posts he made that raised eyebrows and fears across his community.
Understanding the Charges
Bushart is facing serious charges of making threats of mass violence at a school, which is no light matter. He made his first court appearance on October 9, 2023, at a Perry County court. A follow-up court date has already been set for December 4, 2023, for a preliminary and bond hearing. Initially, his bond was set at an astonishing $2 million.
The Social Media Posts in Question
These threats are linked to posts Bushart shared on September 10, 2023, where he expressed concerning views about Charlie Kirk, an individual who recently faced tragedy. In these posts, he allegedly included various photos within a community Facebook group focused on a vigil for Kirk that was planned for September 23, 2023, in Linden, Tennessee.
The Perry County Sheriff, Nick Weems, described some of these posts as “hate memes,” which he acknowledged could be classified as free speech and didn’t necessarily break any laws. However, there was one particular meme that caught the attention of law enforcement. It depicted President Donald Trump with the words, “We have to get over it.” This insinuation referenced a school shooting incident that took place in Perry, Iowa, back in January 2024 and included an ominous tagline, “This seems relevant today.”
Community Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
This kind of content understandably sparked widespread concern among teachers, parents, and students, leading to fears about a potential shooting at school. Local authorities quickly determined that Bushart’s intent appeared to incite terror and disrupt the peace of the community.
Law enforcement acted promptly, and both the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and the Lexington Police Department collaborated effectively to bring Bushart into custody. This quick response is indicative of how seriously they treat threats against schools, especially after a turbulent few months since Kirk’s untimely death.
Wider Implications and Recent Trends
The situation has gained traction amidst a backdrop of firings and suspensions across the nation related to controversial social media posts about Kirk. Various professionals, ranging from a sportswriter to emergency workers, have faced consequences for their online remarks in light of recent events, illustrating the heightened awareness around such topics.
Legal Context
Bushart’s threats are being dealt with under a state law introduced in July 2024, which classifies threats against schools as a Class E felony. This has resulted in a notable number of arrests in Tennessee, with hundreds of children implicated under similar mass violence laws during the 2024 fiscal year. Nonetheless, the application of this law has faced scrutiny, particularly post the Supreme Court’s ruling on what constitutes a “true threat,” making it a complex issue that intertwines freedom of speech with public safety concerns.
FAQ Section
Who is Larry Bushart?
Larry Bushart is a 61-year-old former police officer from Lexington, Tennessee, who was arrested for making threats of mass violence in connection with social media posts about Charlie Kirk.
What did Bushart post on social media?
His posts included multiple photos in a community Facebook group regarding a vigil for Charlie Kirk planned in Linden, Tennessee, insinuating potential violence.
When was Bushart’s first court appearance?
Bushart’s first court appearance was on October 9, 2023, at a Perry County court.
What is the bond set for Larry Bushart?
Bushart’s bond was originally set at $2 million.
What law was Bushart charged under?
He was charged under a state law enacted in July 2024 that classifies threats against schools as a Class E felony.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Name | Larry Bushart |
| Age | 61 |
| Location | Lexington, Tennessee |
| Date of Arrest | September 22, 2023 |
| First Court Appearance | October 9, 2023 |
| Bond Amount | $2 million |
| Initial Social Media Activity | September 10, 2023 |
| Upcoming Court Date | December 4, 2023 |
| Related Law | Class E felony for threats against schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tennessean: Larry Bushart Arrest
- Wikipedia: Larry Bushart
- WSMV: Perry County School Threat Arrest
- Google Search: Perry County School Threat
- NBC39: West TN Man Arrested
- Google Scholar: Threats of Mass Violence Tennessee
- Fox17: Perry County Schools Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Violence Laws
- Fox56: Perry County School Lockdown
- Google News: Larry Bushart Arrest
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