The United States government has warned that it may revoke visas from foreign nationals making light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at a debate at Utah Valley University. The gunman remains at large. President Trump, in a late-night address, blamed “the radical left” for the killing, declaring: “The monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country.”
Kirk, an author and podcast host, was widely credited with energizing young conservative voters and helping Trump’s return to the White House. However, he was also a polarizing figure, often accused of promoting Christian nationalism and delivering inflammatory rhetoric on Islam, women, and Black people.
Following his death, social media was flooded with reactions, including ridicule and mockery. Many users — both in the US and abroad, including Nigerians — resurfaced Kirk’s past controversial remarks as justification for their reactions.
In response, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau issued a stern warning on Thursday, saying the US will take action against foreign nationals who glorify or trivialize Kirk’s killing.
> “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 posted on X. “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. Please bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people.”
