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The Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, warned on Thursday that the United States could deny visas or ban the entry of foreigners who glorify or celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and ally of Donald Trump who was killed in Utah.
“I want to emphasize that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome in our country. I have been disgusted to see some people on social media celebrating or trivializing murder, and I have instructed our consular officials to take the necessary measures,” wrote Landau on his X account.
He also urged citizens to report publications by foreigners that mock or justify the crime, so that the Department of State can "protect the American people."
The assassination of Charlie Kirk
On Wednesday, Charlie Kirk, one of the most influential figures in youth conservatism in the U.S. and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
President Donald Trump himself confirmed the news on Truth Social: “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk has died. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States better than Charlie. I love you, brother. They will never silence us.”
According to Casa Banca on X, the President signed a proclamation in memory of Kirk and ordered that all American flags in the United States be flown at half-staff until Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
Kirk, 31 years old, left behind a wife and two young children. Former presidents such as Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush condemned the political violence and sent messages of condolence to his family.
Ongoing investigation
The FBI requested public assistance to identify a suspect related to the shooting, sharing images on social media and setting up the 1-800-CALL-FBI hotline along with a digital portal to receive information.
The university community has questioned the security failures during the event, while on social media the debate continues between those who remember him as a patriot and those who criticize him as a symbol of conservative radicalization.
A key figure of Trumpism
Born in 1993, Kirk founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old, an organization that expanded across universities nationwide with thousands of activists. He became a central ally of Trump since 2016, advocating for restrictive immigration policies, free-market principles, and a socially conservative agenda focused on religion and family.
He was the author of several books, a podcast host, and a frequent guest in conservative media, establishing himself as one of the most prominent voices of the youth right in the U.S.
Scrutiny of foreigners
Landau's statements come in the context of a tightening of immigration policies. In June, the State Department resumed the process for foreign student visa applications, but now requires access to their social media as part of the consular evaluation.
In April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had already warned that visas are “a privilege, not a right,” emphasizing that they are only reserved for those who contribute to strengthening the United States, not for those who “seek to destroy it from within.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Murder of Charlie Kirk and its Implications in the U.S.
Why could the United States ban the entry of foreigners who celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk?
The United States could block entry to foreigners who celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk because the Undersecretary of State, Christopher Landau, stated that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome in the country. This type of behavior on social media is perceived as a threat to security and public order.
What was the U.S. government's reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk?
The U.S. government reacted with outrage and tribute measures towards Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in his honor and ordered that American flags be flown at half-staff. Furthermore, the investigation to identify the perpetrator of the murder has intensified, and public assistance has been requested through the FBI.
How has this incident affected the U.S. visa policy?
The murder of Charlie Kirk is set against the backdrop of In addition to Landau's statements about banning those who celebrate violence, the State Department has implemented stricter measures in the visa application process, including access to social media of the applicants to assess their eligibility.
What role did Charlie Kirk play in the conservative movement in the U.S.?
Charlie Kirk was an influential figure within the youth conservative movement in the U.S. Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk promoted conservative policies at universities and had a close relationship with President Trump. He was known for his advocacy of free markets, restrictive immigration policies, and traditional values such as religion and family.
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