'Foreigners who glorify violence…': US warns praising Charlie Kirk killing could lead to visa action

US threatens action against foreigners praising Kirk killing

The US State Department has warned that foreigners who are found “praising, rationalising, or making light of” the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may face punitive measures, including visa consequences.

Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Washington and political circles. Following the incident, Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau confirmed that foreigners who celebrate such acts online could be barred from visiting the US.

“In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau said on X. He added that he had directed consular officials to take appropriate action.

In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light…

— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) September 11, 2025

“I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action,” Landau said, without elaborating on what such measures would entail.

He also urged MAGA followers to report posts by foreign-born individuals celebrating violence. Officials said this is part of a broader Trump administration effort to protect Americans while monitoring noncitizen activity online.

According to AP sources, Rubio’s State Department has previously led initiatives targeting visas and green cards in cases involving political activism.

Authorities have also been instructed to monitor social media for “anti-American” sentiments. Under new rules, international students must unlock their social media accounts before being granted educational or exchange visas.

A State Department spokesperson defended the measures, stating: “This administration does not believe that the United States should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with US national security interests.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said he is prioritizing the revocation of visas of "lunatics" who led campus protests against Israel's offensive in Gaza, using a law that allows him to remove people for going against US foreign policy interests.