Charlie Kirk, a prominent United States conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA who has been shot dead at the age of 31.
The US State Department’s deputy secretary, Christopher Landau, on Thursday warned that foreigners, including Nigerians who glorify the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk online could have their visas revoked, urging internet users to flag such posts.
In a post on X sighted by Tribune Online, he wrote, “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 @StateDept can protect the American people.”
His remarks prompted swift responses from users who highlighted online comments allegedly belonging to foreign residents in the US, calling for their visas to be revoked.
Landau encouraged them to keep sharing by replying to him directly and promised to have the State Department review the posts.
Tribune Online reports that Kirk, 31, a close ally of President Donald Trump and a key figure in mobilising conservative support among young people, was shot dead on Wednesday while delivering a speech at a university in Utah.
