HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Monday his department is removing visas from people who celebrate the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
He wrote in a post on social media platform X that the U.S. will not have foreigners who praise the deaths of American citizens.
“Visa revocations are under way. If you are here on a visa and cheering on the public assassination of a political figure, prepare to be deported,” Rubio said. “You are not welcome in this country.”
The secretary attached a clip of an interview he had with Fox News that was released on Sunday. In the interview, Rubio said the Trump administration “is not in the business” of inviting people to the U.S. who would be involved in destructive and negative behavior.
“If we invite someone to visit the United States of America as a student, as a tourist, as whatever, then they have a different — the standard they should be held to is very high,” Rubio explained. “We shouldn’t be bringing people into this country, we should not be giving visas to people who are gonna come to the United States and do things like celebrate the murder, the execution, the assassination of a political figure. And if they’re already here, we should be revoking their visa.”
Deputy State Secretary Christopher Landau suggested on Thursday the department was going to remove visas from people who praise, make light of or rationalize Kirk’s killing. The official wrote in an X post that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome to the U.S.
“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 @StateDept can protect the American people,” Landu continued.
Some social media users responded to his post with screenshots of people supporting Kirk’s killing online. Landau replied to many images with a picture of the U.S. seal in a spotlight and accompanied by the caption, “El Quitavisas.” The Spanish word roughly translates to “The Visa Remover.”
Some of Kirk’s critics have brought attention to the activist’s views on controversial subjects like gun control. Kirk said during an event his activist group held in 2023 that some deaths by guns are worth it to keep the Second Amendment and protect other “God-given rights.”
Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.