State Department Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk Assassination Online

State Department Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk's Assassination Online In a move seen as an attempt to chill criticism of right-wing politics, the State Department announced on Tuesday that it had revoked visas for six noncitizens who had celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk online. The decision comes as part of the Trump administration's efforts to lionize Kirk and suppress dissent. According to the State Department, the individuals whose visas were revoked made comments on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that were deemed "incendiary" and "crass." While the department did not release the names or handles of those affected, it shared a thread of screenshots with redacted avatars. The comments ranged from profanity-laced insults to assertions that Kirk's death was too late. Nota Baloyi, a South African national who spoke to The Intercept on Wednesday, confirmed that his visa had been revoked due to a tweet he posted in which he stated that Charlie Kirk "won't be remembered as a hero." Baloyi, who has been involved with astroturfing efforts to promote white nationalism, claimed that the State Department's move was an attempt to silence him and others like him. "This is just another example of how the government is trying to stifle free speech," Baloyi said. "I'm not surprised they're revoking my visa. I've been critical of their policies for a long time." The State Department's decision has sparked concerns among civil liberties groups, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing protected political speech. "This is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence critics of the administration," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We urge the State Department to reconsider its actions and respect the First Amendment rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality." The Trump administration has been criticized for its efforts to suppress dissent and criticism of right-wing politics. In recent weeks, several high-profile figures have been targeted by the administration, including journalists, activists, and politicians. Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement, was assassinated on September 21, 2025, at a public memorial service in Arizona. The event was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who delivered a eulogy praising Kirk's "dedication to spreading conservative values." The State Department's decision to revoke visas for those who celebrated Kirk's assassination online has raised questions about the limits of free speech and the role of government in regulating online discourse. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the debate over free speech and online regulation. One thing is clear: the Trump administration's efforts to silence critics are likely to have far-reaching implications for civil liberties and the future of online discourse. Background: Charlie Kirk was a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement, known for his inflammatory rhetoric and advocacy for racist and xenophobic policies. His assassination sparked widespread outrage and celebration among some quarters, including those who saw him as a symbol of resistance against progressive values. Context: The Trump administration's efforts to suppress dissent and criticism of right-wing politics have been ongoing since the 2016 election. This move is seen by many as an escalation of these efforts, aimed at silencing critics and promoting a narrow ideological agenda. Next Developments: The State Department has not commented on whether it will take further action against those who celebrated Kirk's assassination online. Civil liberties groups are expected to continue pushing back against the administration's efforts to suppress free speech. *Reporting by Theintercept.*