A State Department official has cautioned “foreigners” against mocking or celebrating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
On Wednesday (Sept. 10) at Utah Valley University, the Turning Point USA co-founder and right-wing media personality was shot and killed during a political event he was hosting.
“In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau tweeted on Thursday.
“I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action,” Landau added. “Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people.”
Kirk died during a question-and-answer session as part of his American Comeback Tour. Videos of the incident show him slumped back in his chair after a bullet hit his neck. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The internet exploded following the shooting, with some, like Camilla Araujo, condemning social media users' reactions for being insensitive.
As of the time of writing, per NBC News, the U.S. had placed nearly 60,000 migrants in federal custody. According to The Hill, the Trump administration has also revoked 6,000 student visas due to allegations or charges linked to assault, DUI, burglary, or support for terrorism.
On Thursday, the FBI’s Salt Lake City office released photographs of a person of interest alleged to be connected to the shooting. The federal agency is now offering up to $100,000 for information leading to the individual's arrest.