Crime
U.S. State Department Permanently Revokes Visa of Brazilian Neurosurgeon Ricardo Barbosa After Comments Praising Charlie Kirk Assassination
The U.S. State Department has permanently revoked the visa of Ricardo Barbosa, a Brazilian neurosurgeon from Pernambuco, after he publicly praised the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
Barbosa, a licensed physician, came under international scrutiny after posting a now-deleted statement on social media in which he applauded the assassin’s “impeccable aim.”
He went further, invoking his medical expertise by noting that the fatal shot had struck the “cervical spine,” language that authorities said amounted to an endorsement of murder.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau ordered Barbosa’s immediate visa revocation, stressing that the United States will not tolerate foreign nationals who glorify violence.
Landau described Barbosa’s comments as “the most chilling” he had encountered in his career, stating:
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
The decision means Barbosa is permanently banned from entering the United States.
In addition to the U.S. action, Barbosa has faced swift professional consequences in Brazil.
He was terminated from his position at the clinic where he had been practicing, and the Regional Medical Council of Pernambuco (CRM-PE) has opened a formal investigation into his conduct.
Officials confirmed the inquiry could result in the suspension or permanent revocation of his medical license, citing concerns about whether his statements violated professional oaths and the public trust.
Authorities in Brazil are also examining whether Barbosa’s remarks fall under potential criminal or professional misconduct statutes, as outrage continues to mount over his public praise of political violence.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.