US Revokes Six Visas Over Social Media Celebrations of Charlie Kirk's Assassination

US Revokes Six Visas Over Social Media Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination The US State Department announced Tuesday that it had revoked six visas due to social media comments celebrating the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The decision comes as President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk with a Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to the State Department, the revoked visas belonged to citizens from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay. "The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans," the department stated in a post on X. "Aliens who take advantage of America's hospitality while celebrating the assassination of our citizens will be removed." Kirk was shot dead in September while speaking at a rally at a Utah university. The suspect in his assassination faces the death penalty if convicted. "This decision sends a clear message that the US will not tolerate hate speech or violence," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of international relations at the University of California, Los Angeles. "It's a necessary step to protect American citizens and maintain social order." However, some critics argue that the move is an overreach of government authority. "Revoking visas based on social media comments raises serious concerns about free speech and due process," said Amira Patel, a human rights lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union. The State Department has stated that it will continue to identify visa holders who celebrated Kirk's assassination and take necessary action. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to address hate crimes and online extremism in the US. As the country grapples with rising tensions and polarized politics, the incident highlights the complex interplay between free speech, social media, and national security. "This case underscores the need for greater awareness about the consequences of online behavior," said Dr. John Lee, a sociologist at Harvard University. "It's essential to educate people about the impact of their words on others and promote a culture of respect and empathy." The US government has faced criticism in recent years over its handling of hate crimes and online extremism. The move to revoke visas is seen as a significant step towards addressing these issues, but some question whether it goes far enough. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the intersection of social media, politics, and national security will remain a pressing concern for policymakers and citizens alike. *Reporting by Dw.*