The US government has revoked visas from six foreigners, including a German, for celebrating the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media. Kirk was shot dead about a month ago on a university campus in Utah. On the same day, President Trump posthumously awarded him the Medal of Freedom.
Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, which he established in 2012 at age 18, was shot dead just over a month ago at an event on a university campus in Utah. He was answering a question from the audience when a 22-year-old student fired at him. The perpetrator was charged with murder and stated in text messages that he killed Kirk because he was tired of his hate. Kirk leaves behind two young children; his widow Erika has taken over leadership of Turning Point USA.
Kirk had made a name for himself as a champion of free speech, visiting colleges to challenge students to debates. Critics accused him of racist, homophobic, and sexist views. His death caused shock in the US, and President Donald Trump immediately blamed the rhetoric of 'radical leftists.' Critics accused Trump of inflaming the atmosphere further.
On Tuesday, Kirk's 32nd birthday, Trump posthumously awarded him the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US. His widow accepted it. 'We carry his name forever into the eternal list of true American heroes,' Trump said. He praised Kirk for turning Turning Point USA into the largest conservative youth organization and fighting for free speech and a 'proud America.'
At the same time, the US State Department revoked visas from six foreigners over social media comments on Kirk's death. Affected are individuals from Germany, South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Paraguay. The German wrote: 'If fascists die, Democrats don't complain.' An Argentine had accused Kirk of racist rhetoric. 'The USA are not obligated to host foreigners who wished death on Americans,' the department stated on X. It will continue identifying visa holders who celebrated the 'heinous assassination.'
Since January, the Trump administration has pursued stricter immigration policies, including social media checks and revocation of thousands of student visas. In September, the department had already warned of visa revocations for those praising or downplaying the act.
