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.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.