The US State Department’s second-highest official has warned that foreigners who post online in support of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could face visa action. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said consular officials have been instructed to act against such cases.
“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,” Landau wrote on X.
He added, “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’s post quickly drew responses from users flagging specific online accounts and comments, with some asking him to revoke visas of those behind them. Landau encouraged users to continue sharing such posts and said he would ask the State Department to review them.
A State Department spokesperson said, “This Administration does not believe that the United States should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with U.S. national security interests.” However, the spokesperson did not clarify if any visas had been revoked following Landau’s warning.
Kirk, 31, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at a university in Utah. He was known for mobilising conservative support among young voters through his writings and podcasts.
The Trump administration has earlier stepped up visa scrutiny, including expanding social media checks and revoking thousands of student visas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said that his office is prioritising the cancellation of visas of those involved in protests against US allies.
“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,” Landau wrote on X.
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
He added, “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’s post quickly drew responses from users flagging specific online accounts and comments, with some asking him to revoke visas of those behind them. Landau encouraged users to continue sharing such posts and said he would ask the State Department to review them.
A State Department spokesperson said, “This Administration does not believe that the United States should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with U.S. national security interests.” However, the spokesperson did not clarify if any visas had been revoked following Landau’s warning.
Kirk, 31, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at a university in Utah. He was known for mobilising conservative support among young voters through his writings and podcasts.
The Trump administration has earlier stepped up visa scrutiny, including expanding social media checks and revoking thousands of student visas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said that his office is prioritising the cancellation of visas of those involved in protests against US allies.
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