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.
AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities have identified the three victims killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting outside Buford’s Bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. The attack left three civilians dead and more than a dozen others injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police.
The victims have been identified as Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire from his vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot into a crowd in the busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within seconds and fatally shot the suspect.
Officials stated that the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Four people are now confirmed dead, including the shooter.
At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, with several initially listed in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was known for her leadership and campus involvement. The university referred to her by her full name, Savitha Shanmugasundaram.
UT President Jim Davis addressed the campus community, stating:
“Today, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student. A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world. It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her.”
Shan was active in Austin’s Tamil Sangam community and participated in Raas Roedo, which organizes traditional Gujarati folk dance events. She also founded an e-commerce venture known as Sunflakestickers.
Ryder Harrington, 19, had previously attended Texas Tech University and was a member of its Beta Theta Pi chapter. Loved ones described him as “a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral and related expenses as they navigate what relatives describe as an unimaginable loss.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was identified as the third victim to succumb to his injuries. Authorities confirmed he had initially been listed in critical condition at a local hospital following the shooting. Pederson was described by Med City Fighting Championships as a “beloved Minnesotan fighter.”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urged the community to support one another during the period of mourning, stating:
“Continue to lift them and their families up. And Austin, keep reaching out to each other. Take care of each other. What we do for each other matters, especially in this time of mourning and grief.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the investigation. Officials confirmed the incident is being reviewed as a possible act of terrorism, though no final determination regarding motive has been formally announced.
Investigators reported that the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase “Property of Allah” at the time of the attack.
A Quran was recovered from his vehicle, and additional reports indicate he was wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag.
Authorities are examining whether ideological motivations or international developments may have influenced the attack.
Newly released video footage shows the moment the gunman began firing into the crowd, underscoring the speed and severity of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness accounts.
City leaders have pledged to provide additional updates as confirmed information becomes available.
The Austin community continues to grieve the lives lost and support those injured in what has become one of the city’s most devastating acts of violence in recent years.