Foreigners who glorify the shooting of the conservative figure may face visa revocations, says US State Department
Visa Crackdown Over Online Comments
The US State Department has warned that it may revoke visas of foreign nationals who are seen supporting or glorifying the recent killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on social media.
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,”
— Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, on X (formerly Twitter)
He urged users to report online posts and said that consular officials would take appropriate action after reviewing flagged content.
Public Asked to Report Posts
- Landau responded to multiple users who began tagging him with specific social media posts.
- He encouraged the public to keep sharing examples, stating he would escalate them to the State Department for investigation.
- No specific names or accounts have been publicly confirmed yet.
Charlie Kirk’s Assassination: What Happened?
- Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
- He was known for being a conservative influencer, Turning Point USA founder, and close ally of Donald Trump.
- The killing, caught on video, has sparked outrage and political debate across the country.
Broader Crackdown on Immigration
The Trump administration has adopted a hardline stance on immigration, with thousands of visas already revoked this year:
- Over 6,000 student visas were rescinded by mid-August, mostly for legal issues like overstaying and minor crimes.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized targeting the visas of those who led protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, calling them “lunatics.”
- Visa applicants are now required to keep social media accounts public for screening.
Free Speech Controversy
The move to punish online speech has drawn criticism, especially given the administration’s previous stance on freedom of expression in allied countries.
The current policy raises concerns about:
- Selective enforcement of online expression
- Tension between national security and digital free speech
- Potential misuse of visa revocation powers
The US is now watching online reactions to Charlie Kirk’s killing closely. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the government is signaling that online support for violence may come with serious immigration consequences.
Also Read : Charlie Kirk Shooter Arrested — Trump Claims “Someone Close Turned Him In”
