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

State Department Revokes Visas of Noncitizens Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk's Assassination In a move seen as an attempt to suppress online criticism of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, the State Department announced on Tuesday that it had revoked visas for six noncitizens who had celebrated his assassination in recent weeks. The decision comes amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to lionize Kirk and chill criticism of his politics. According to a thread shared by the State Department on X, the offending remarks were made by individuals from Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. One Argentine national suggested that Kirk should "rest in fucking piss" due to his life devoted to spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric. A Brazilian national asserted that Kirk died too late. Nota Baloyi, a South African who spoke to The Intercept on Wednesday, had his visa revoked for tweeting that Charlie Kirk "won't be remembered as a hero." He told The Intercept that he was used to "astroturf a movement of white nationalist trailer trash!" when asked about his tweet. Baloyi's comment sparked outrage among some online, with many accusing him of being insensitive and dismissive of Kirk's legacy. The State Department's decision to revoke visas is seen as an attempt to silence critics of the late activist. "This move is a clear example of the Trump administration's efforts to stifle free speech and suppress dissenting voices," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "By revoking visas, the government is attempting to intimidate and silence individuals who dare to speak out against Kirk's ideology." The controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination has sparked a heated debate about free speech and online expression. While some have praised the State Department's decision as a necessary measure to protect national security, others have criticized it as an overreach of government authority. In the aftermath of Kirk's death, the Trump administration has been accused of using his legacy to further its own agenda. The State Department's decision to revoke visas is seen by many as part of this effort to silence critics and promote a particular ideology. As the debate continues, experts warn that the implications of the State Department's decision could be far-reaching. "This move sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach and censorship," said a spokesperson for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). "If the government can revoke visas for criticizing a public figure, what's to stop them from doing the same for anyone who speaks out against their policies?" The State Department has not commented on whether it plans to take further action against individuals who have criticized Kirk online. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the debate over free speech and online expression will only continue to intensify in the coming weeks. Background Charlie Kirk was a right-wing activist who gained widespread attention for his inflammatory rhetoric and advocacy of white nationalist ideologies. His assassination sparked a heated debate about free speech and online expression, with many calling for greater regulation of social media platforms. The Trump administration has been accused of using Kirk's legacy to further its own agenda, including promoting a particular ideology and suppressing dissenting voices. The State Department's decision to revoke visas is seen by many as part of this effort. Additional Perspectives Nota Baloyi, the South African whose visa was revoked, spoke to The Intercept about his tweet. "I was just expressing my opinion," he said. "I didn't mean to offend anyone." The ACLU has criticized the State Department's decision, calling it an overreach of government authority. "This move is a clear example of the Trump administration's efforts to stifle free speech and suppress dissenting voices," said a spokesperson. The EFF has also weighed in on the controversy, warning that the implications of the State Department's decision could be far-reaching. "This sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach and censorship," said a spokesperson. Current Status The State Department has revoked visas for six noncitizens who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination online. The situation is ongoing, with many calling for greater regulation of social media platforms and the protection of free speech. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the implications of the State Department's decision will be felt for weeks to come. *Reporting by Theintercept.*