Charlie Kirk, a well-known American conservative activist and close ally of Donald Trump, was shot and killed during an event at a Utah college on Wednesday (10 September) in the United States (US).
The state’s governor later called it a “political assassination”, saying the shots came from a rooftop.
Charlie Kirk
He was shot in the neck
Videos on social media show the moment Kirk was speaking under a white tent at Utah Valley University when a gunshot suddenly went off, with blood seen pouring from his neck.
As of the time of writing, no arrests have been made, but authorities say they’re now searching for a new person of interest.
Earlier, there was confusion after FBI Director Kash Patel posted that a suspect had been taken into custody, but later clarified the individual was only questioned and then released.
Police have not confirmed that person’s identity, a possible motive, or any charges.
“Foreigners who joke about Kirk’s death will be punished”
After the incident, the Deputy Secretary of State said that foreigners who joke about or downplay Kirk’s death will face action.
On his X account, Christopher Landau stressed that foreigners who glorify violence or hatred aren’t welcome in the country.
He added that consular officials have been told to take “appropriate action” against those who are seen as “praising, justifying, or making light of Kirk’s death” online.
“I’ve been disgusted to see some people on social media praising, justifying, or making light of the event. I’ve instructed our consular officials to act accordingly. Please flag such posts by foreigners so the @StateDept can protect the American people,” he wrote.
Christopher Landau
Furthermore, foreigners travelling to the US, including Malaysians, may also be affected when applying for their visas, should they have online postings making light of the Charlie Kirk murder.
A US state department spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “This administration does not believe that the US should grant visas to persons whose presence in our country does not align with US national security interests”.
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Also read: Popular US Pro-Gun Activist & Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Shot Dead During Speech in Utah College
