State Department threatens action against foreign nationals praising Charlie Kirk's death

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warned that the United States may take action against foreign nationals in the country who glorify the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

"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," Landau said in a Sept 11 post on X.

Authorities are still searching for the shooter who killed Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities said they recovered a high-powered rifle believed to have been used in the shooting and learned new details about a suspect from video being analyzed.

The FBI also released photos of a man they consider a new person of interest and are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Kirk's killer.

Landau's comments come months after the Trump administration introduced its new visa policy. Foreign nationals visiting or living in the country legally could lose their visa status if they violate the law under the new "catch and revoke" policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in May.

In an email sent to USA TODAY, a state department spokesperson said on Sept. 11 that "this administration does not believe that the United States should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with US national security interests."

The 31-year-old Kirk, a close political ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking outside at a university courtyard when he was struck during the first stop of The American Comeback Tour. Hours after Kirk's death, Trump, in a Truth Social post, called the Turning Point USA founder and married father of two children "Great" and "Legendary."

The president later ordered U.S. flags across the nation, at military posts, and at embassies to be flown at half-staff through Sept. 14 in Kirk's honor.

Landau has joined many within the Trump administration who have shared their perspectives on social media in the aftermath of Kirk's death.

"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 continued.

Landau also urged his followers to "feel free to bring such comments by foreigners" to his attention so that "the State Department can protect the American people."