U.S. State Department reportedly refusing visas to individuals who express joy or approval over the death of Charlie Kirk, according to Senator Rubio's statement.
The U.S. State Department has taken a firm stance against hate speech following the tragic death of right-wing podcaster and activist Charlie Kirk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the department would not issue visas to people who were 'celebrating' Kirk's shooting death.
Last week, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau ordered department officials to take appropriate action in cases where people seeking visas make light of or rationalize Kirk's death. The specific details about how visas would be denied are not yet clear.
Vice President JD Vance, while hosting Kirk's radio show, encouraged pushback against those who celebrate Kirk's death, suggesting calling out the individuals and their employers. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in her social media comments, indicated a focus on targeting and going after individuals using hate speech, as previously warned by the administration.
Bondi's comments suggest that the violent rhetoric is designed to silence conservative ideals. Sec. Rubio stated that if a foreigner celebrates the assassination of someone, they are not wanted in the country. The Trump administration has also warned it will crack down on speech that it claims constitutes threats or supports political violence in the aftermath of Kirk's death.
Civil rights groups and conservative media figures have criticized the comments related to Kirk's death. However, there are no credible or verified reports that anyone in recent days has applied for a visa and celebrated the death of Kirk. Instead, his death has prompted memorials and widespread mourning among supporters.
In some cases, businesses have become the subject of boycotts or lost partnerships due to comments related to Kirk's death on social media. Numerous public officials have lost their jobs or been placed on leave due to comments they posted concerning Kirk's death.
It's unclear how many visas may have been denied or revoked so far. The Trump administration's warning about cracking down on speech that supports political violence or constitutes threats remains in effect following Kirk's death. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that the Trump administration will target and go after anyone using hate speech.
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