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By Anna Commander and Hollie Silverman
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The U.S. Department of State said in a series of posts on X Tuesday that six people have had their visas revoked, accused of celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk in online posts.
The six are from South Africa, Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Paraguay, the department said.
Newsweek reached out to the State Department Tuesday night via online form for comment.
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Why It Matters
The announcement comes the same day President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Kirk, CEO and co-founder of conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, and in the days following, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said anyone who made negative comments about the killing would have their visa revoked.
The State Department's X posts also arrive amid intensifying debate over the limits of free speech and the federal government’s authority to regulate immigration on the basis of political expression.
The reported visa revocations follow growing concerns from civil rights groups about potential infringements on constitutional speech protections and highlights the Trump administration’s broader campaign to scrutinize and discipline foreigners in the United States for critical or offensive commentary—particularly those related to recent high-profile political incidents or controversies over U.S. policy.
What To Know
"@POTUS and @SecRubio will defend our borders, our culture, and our citizens by enforcing our immigration laws," the State Department said on X, adding, "Aliens who take advantage of America’s hospitality while celebrating the assassination of our citizens will be removed."
According to the State Department, the online comments include one from a Paraguayan national who wrote: “Charlie Kirk was a son of a b**** and he died by his own rules."
Another comment shared by the department on X said, "An Argentine national said that Kirk 'devoted his entire life spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric' and deserves to burn in hell. Visa revoked."
What People Are Saying
David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama, on X Tuesday: "US revokes visas for 6 foreigners for derisive posthumous comments about Charlie Kirk--who was, ironically, a self-styled champion of free speech!"
Immigration attorney Eric Lee, on X Tuesday: "If your visa was denied or revoked due to Charlie Kirk-related speech, the Consular Accountability Project (@ConsularActProj) is interested in representing you pro bono."
Conservative attorney Mike Davis, on X Tuesday: "Amen. Foreigners who celebrate the assassination of an American have no business being in America. They can go to hell. In the meantime, they can go home."
What Happens Next
The State Department's actions signal a continuation—and possible expansion—of efforts to scrutinize the conduct of foreign visa holders and applicants, particularly regarding speech deemed unacceptable by the administration.
Update 10/14/25, 8:28 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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