The United States has issued a strong warning that foreigners who celebrate or joke about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could lose their visas.
Officials said they are already monitoring social media users in Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and parts of Latin America for possible action.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah. His death has sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
In a post on X Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said consular officials had been directed to track online comments about the killing.
He stressed that foreigners glorifying violence are not welcome in the United States.
“I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalising, or making light of the event,” Landau wrote.
“Consular officials will take appropriate action. Please feel free to flag such comments to the @StateDept so we can protect the American people.
Landau even shared a parody image of the U.S. eagle projected like the Batman signal, captioned “El Quitavisas” a Spanish phrase meaning “The Visa Remover.”
Authorities later identified the suspected gunman as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from southern Utah.
According to law enforcement, Robinson confessed to his father before being turned in by a minister who accompanied him to U.S. Marshals. Former President Donald Trump confirmed that the suspect was in custody.
Foreign Figures Under Scrutiny
Social media users flagged several foreigners accused of mocking Kirk’s assassination. Among them were:
Sebastian Hotz, a German satirist, accused of making offensive jokes.
A Brazilian broadcaster accused of calling Kirk an extremist.
A Brazilian social media user who suggested Trump and other Republicans could be next.
George Abaraonye, the incoming Oxford Union president, flagged for mocking Kirk’s death in private chats.
Redi Tlhabi, a South African journalist based in Washington, accused of celebrating the killing and criticising U.S. gun culture.
The controversy also reached the U.S. Navy.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan warned that any uniformed or civilian personnel caught mocking Kirk’s death would face swift disciplinary measures.
His statement drew mixed reactions online. Some supported his stance, saying those in uniform represent the nation and must be held to higher standards.
Others argued that restrictions should not extend to comments about private citizens.
Kirk’s killing has not only raised concerns about political violence but has also sparked a wider debate over free speech, online moderation, and how far governments should go in punishing foreigners who mock tragedies.
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