US Revokes Visas of Six Foreigners Over Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of six foreign nationals accused of mocking or making light of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last month, the State Department announced Tuesday.

Officials said the decision followed a review of social media posts and videos related to Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a Utah college on September 10. The announcement coincided with President Donald Trump posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a “great American hero” and a “martyr for freedom.”

The six individuals—hailing from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa—were not publicly identified.

“Aliens who take advantage of America’s hospitality while celebrating the assassination of our citizens will be removed,” the State Department said, adding that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “will defend our borders, our culture, and our citizens by enforcing our immigration laws.”

The administration’s response to online comments about Kirk has sparked controversy, leading to firings and disciplinary actions against journalists, teachers, and others, and drawing criticism from civil rights advocates who say the measures infringe on free speech.

Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials have encouraged Americans to report offensive remarks about Kirk online. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau even urged social media users last month to tag him in such posts, saying he was “disgusted” by those “praising or rationalizing” the killing.

Tuesday’s action comes amid a broader crackdown targeting thousands of foreigners in the US—particularly students—whom the administration accuses of inciting unrest or supporting protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Recent moves include expelling South Africa’s ambassador over remarks critical of Trump, revoking a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly, and barring British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan from entering the US. Officials say they are also reviewing the visa status of more than 55 million foreign nationals for potential violations of “standards of conduct.”

Civil liberties groups have condemned the actions as unconstitutional, warning that freedom of speech protections extend to all individuals in the United States, not just citizens.