In the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the US government has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals residing in or seeking entry into the country: glorifying or trivializing the killing online could cost them their visas.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to express outrage over social media posts that appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death.
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau wrote, adding that he had instructed consular officials to take “appropriate action”.
Landau’s post quickly gained traction, with users tagging him in replies that highlighted specific comments allegedly made by foreign residents.
He encouraged the public to continue flagging such posts, promising to have the State Department investigate them.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. A prominent ally of President Donald Trump, Kirk was known for mobilizing conservative youth and leading Turning Point USA.
His death has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debates over political violence and online speech.
The Trump administration has already been pursuing aggressive immigration enforcement. As of August, the State Department reported revoking over 6,000 student visas, citing legal violations such as overstays and criminal charges.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has further expanded the crackdown, targeting individuals involved in campus protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Under his directive, visa applicants are now required to keep their social media profiles open for vetting.
Critics have noted the irony in the administration’s stance, pointing out its opposition to online speech restrictions in European countries, particularly those targeting far-right groups.
Nonetheless, the US government maintains that national security interests justify the scrutiny of online behavior.
While the investigation into Kirk’s killing continues, the State Department’s message is clear: foreigners who engage in or endorse violent rhetoric online may face serious consequences.