US to Immigrants: Don't Mock Charlie Kirk

State Department warns those praising or 'making light' of the assassination
Posted Sep 11, 2025 1:48 PM CDT
US to Immigrants: Don't Mock Charlie Kirk
A teacher from the Gurukul School of Art completes artwork to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.   (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

The State Department warned Tuesday that it won't tolerate any immigrants who mock the death of conservative leader Charlie Kirk online, reports Axios. And it is encouraging people to report any such comments. The directive came in a tweet from Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau:

  • "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 of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action. Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the (State Department) can protect the American people."

Newsweek pressed for clarification on how it might be translated into policy, and a spokesperson said visas should not go to people whose presence in the US "did not align with national security interests," per the outlet. It's the same type of argument that has been used against immigrants who took part in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses. As the Guardian notes, the State Department now checks social media for "anti-American" views when assessing visa applicants.

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