“I mean, it’s simply about controlling what people say,” Eargle stated.
The Perry County Sheriff’s department opted to take down its Facebook page following the uproar, and it remains unavailable at the time of this report.
However, Weems accessed his Facebook account on Wednesday prior to the dismissal of Bushart’s charges, as reported by The Intercept. The sheriff appeared to maintain his position that individuals had viewed the meme as a threat to a nearby school, asserting that he’s “100 percent in favor of safeguarding the First Amendment. Nevertheless, freedom of speech does not permit anyone to instill fear for another’s safety.”
For Bushart, who The Intercept mentioned retired from a lengthy career in law enforcement last year, the arrest transformed him into a symbol of free speech, yet it disrupted his life significantly. He lost his job as a medical driver and was unable to be present for the birth of his granddaughter.
Upon leaving jail, Bushart expressed he was “very pleased to be returning home.” He extended his gratitude to all his supporters who ensured he wouldn’t have to wait until December 4 to request a reduction in his bail—a postponement that the prosecution had pursued shortly before abruptly dropping the charges, as noted by The Intercept.
Back at his computer, Bushart logged into Facebook, initially posting about his grandchild before continuing with his political commentary.
Eargle asserted that many others are apprehensive about sharing their political views following Bushart’s arrest. Bushart’s son, Taylor, informed Nashville news outlet WKRN that it has been a “challenging time” for their family, while highlighting that his father’s release “doesn’t alter what has occurred to him” or the threats to free speech that may continue under Tennessee’s legislation.
“I can’t adequately convey how grateful we are for the overwhelming support he has received,” Taylor remarked. “If we do not strive to defend and uphold our rights today, just as we have now witnessed, they could vanish tomorrow.”
