Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Monday night that visa cancellations “are under way” for non-U.S. citizens who celebrated the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“America will not host foreigners who celebrate the death of our fellow citizens,” Rubio said on X. “Visa revocations are under way. 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.”
Rubio shared the update on X, posting a clip from a Monday Fox News interview where he was asked whether he intended to limit visa access or cancel visas for individuals celebrating Kirk’s death.
During the interview, Fox News’ Gillian Turner highlighted that Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau had been “calling out on social media foreigners who he says are celebrating, glorifying” the fatal shooting of Kirk in Utah last Wednesday.
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In a post on Thursday, Landau suggested that the State Department would examine the legal standing of immigrants “praising, rationalizing, or making light” of Kirk’s death. Turner then asked Rubio about potential actions regarding those holding U.S. visas.
A visa “means you’re a visitor to the United States” and “we are not in the business of inviting people to visit our country who are going to be involved in negative and destructive behavior” said Rubio. He added, those who “celebrate the murder, the execution, the assassination, of a political figure” should not be allowed in the country. “And if they’re already here, we should be revoking their visa.”
On Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was addressing roughly 3,000 attendees on the topic of gun violence when the attack occurred and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The attack drew strong reactions nationwide, with leaders from across the political spectrum expressing shock and condemnation. President Trump called it a “dark moment for America,” sharing his grief and anger over Kirk’s death, while Utah Governor Spencer Cox described it as a political assassination, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
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Eyewitnesses described panic and confusion as gunfire erupted, with attendees rushing to find safety. Many were alarmed by the apparent lack of security at the event, raising questions about safety protocols on campus. Meanwhile, the FBI has set up a portal for witnesses to provide information as the investigation into the shooting continues.
Tyler Robinson is scheduled to be formally charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 16. This marks Robinson’s first court appearance in connection with the Sept. 10 killing of the conservative activist and Trump ally at a college campus.
If prosecutors pursue an aggravated murder charge, Robinson could face the death penalty. Following the filing of charges, he will attend an in-camera court hearing. Since his arrest, Robinson has not been granted bail, and it is still unclear whether he currently has legal representation.