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.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.