Multiple lawsuits have been filed by individuals who say they were fired or disciplined after posting pro-assassin or mocking comments online following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
One of the most high-profile cases involves Larry Bushart, a retired Tennessee police officer who describes himself as a leftist “keyboard warrior.” According to reports, Bushart was visited by local law enforcement after posting memes criticizing Republicans for mourning Kirk’s death.
Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems reportedly dispatched deputies to Bushart’s home after a social media post that officials believed could be interpreted as a threat against a local high school. The post stemmed from Bushart’s objections to a candlelight vigil held in honor of Kirk.
According to a case summary by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Bushart posted several memes in the comments of a Facebook thread discussing the vigil. One meme featured an image of President Donald Trump with the words, “We have to get over it,” followed by “This seems relevant today…”
Authorities said the post created “mass hysteria” in the community, with concerns that it could be perceived as a threat. Bushart was arrested and jailed on a $2 million bond, remaining behind bars for 37 days. During that time, he says he lost a post-retirement job in medical transportation and missed significant family events, including his wedding anniversary and the birth of a grandchild.
Prosecutors later dropped the charges. Bushart is now suing, represented by FIRE, arguing that his arrest violated his First Amendment rights.
FIRE attorney David Rubin says the organization is aware of at least 13 additional lawsuits involving individuals who claim they were terminated over “Kirk-related speech.” In Texas, the American Federation of Teachers filed suit against the Texas Education Agency after it asked superintendents to report educators who shared “inappropriate content” about Kirk following his assassination. Hundreds of complaints were submitted, with dozens still under investigation.
In the days after Kirk’s killing, social media was flooded with reactions ranging from grief to mockery and celebration. The fallout has led to firings, suspensions, and investigations across multiple sectors, including education and healthcare.
