Rubio Announces Visa Revocations for Those Celebrating Charlie Kirk's Death
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Secretary of State Rubio's Stance on Celebrating Kirk's Death
In recent news, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the U.S. government is taking action to revoke visas for foreign visitors found to be celebrating the death of prominent MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk. This move comes in response to online reactions following Kirk's tragic death.
Rubio made his position clear in a post on X, stating, "America will not host foreigners who celebrate the death of our fellow citizens. Visa revocations are underway. If you are here on a visa and cheering on the public assassination of a political figure, prepare to be deported. You are not welcome in this country."
This firm stance was further elaborated on during a Fox News interview, where Rubio confirmed the U.S.'s intention to revoke the visas of any foreign national found celebrating Kirk's death. The visa revocations are intended to send a strong message about acceptable behavior within the United States.
Marco Rubio said the U.S does not want to invite visitors who are "going to be involved in negative and destructive behavior." / Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Why This Matters
Rubio emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards for those visiting the United States, stating, "If we invite someone to visit the United States of America—as a student, as a tourist, as whatever—the standard they should be held to is very high." He added, "We should not be giving visas to people who are going to come to the United States and do things like celebrate the murder, the execution, the assassination of a political figure."
The Secretary of State clarified that if individuals who mocked Kirk's shooting are already in the U.S. on a visa, the administration will actively pursue its revocation. The core of the issue, according to Rubio, is preventing people who engage in "negative and destructive behavior" from entering the country.
Background on the Charlie Kirk Tragedy
Charlie Kirk, a significant figure in the MAGA movement and founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was apprehended the following day. Authorities are still investigating a motive.
Following Kirk's death, there was significant online activity, including both expressions of grief and, controversially, some celebrations. This led to calls for accountability, with some demanding that those who posted negative comments be fired from their jobs. A website, initially called Expose Charlie's Murderers (later rebranded), was created to identify individuals who celebrated Kirk’s death online.
Charlie Kirk was seen as pivotal in helping build the Republican Party's support among younger voters during the Donald Trump years. / Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The State Department's Response
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau echoed Rubio's sentiments, warning that foreigners who "glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors" to the U.S. He directed consular officials to take "appropriate action" against such individuals, which Rubio has now clarified includes visa revocation and deportation.
This situation highlights the importance of responsible online behavior and the potential consequences for foreigners who engage in conduct deemed unacceptable by the U.S. government. The Charlie Kirk case continues to spark significant debate and discussion nationwide.