A top State Department official on Thursday warned “foreigners” in the U.S. against praising the death of Charlie Kirk, the conservative influencer who was shot and killed at an event in Utah on Wednesday.
“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,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a Thursday morning post on the social platform 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,” Landau added. “Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people.”
Since President Trump’s return to the White House, the administration has revoked more than 6,000 student visas, the State Department said last month. Most of the visas were revoked over allegations or charges related to assault, DUI, burglary and support for terrorism.
The administration has targeted international students participating in pro-Palestinian campus protests, claiming they are a threat to national security. Some students have challenged deportation proceedings.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have condemned political violence after Wednesday’s killing of Kirk at Utah Valley University.
The manhunt for the suspect is ongoing. The FBI is offering up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. The FBI’s Salt Lake City office released photos of a person of interest.
Authorities said they have recovered the rifle believed to have been used to kill Kirk.
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