The President Donald Trump’s administration has revoked the visas of six foreign nationals accused by the United States officials of making derisive or mocking comments about the assassination of late conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, last month.
The State Department announced on Tuesday, that the decision followed a review of the individuals’ social media posts and online clips related to Kirk, who was killed on September 10 while speaking at a Utah College campus.
According to officials, the move came as President Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing him as a “great American hero” and a “martyr for freedom” during his funeral in September.
Officials said the visa revocations were part of a broader effort to uphold US immigration laws and protect national values.
However, the action has also drawn concern from civil liberties advocates, who warned it could have a chilling effect on free expression.
According to the department, the six individuals whose identities were not unveiled include citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and South Africa.
“President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will defend our borders, our culture, and our citizens by enforcing our immigration laws.
“Aliens who take advantage of America’s hospitality while celebrating the assassination of our citizens will be removed,” the State Department said in a statement.
