Khizr Khan, the father of a US veteran who died in Iraq, and a former target of President Donald Trump’s election attacks has reportedly cancelled an appearance in Canada due to his “travel privileges” being reviewed.
CTV News producer Rosa Hwang tweeted that Khan canceled his scheduled speech in Toronto after reportedly being told his “travel privileges are being reviewed” on Sunday.
Khan was due to speak at a luncheon in Toronto on Tuesday and, soon after Hwang’s post, Ramsey Talks, the organization arranging the event, posted on its Facebook page, which has 378 Likes, that it would be cancelled.
“Khan, an American citizen for over 30 years, was notified that his travel privileges are being reviewed,” the post read. “As a consequence, Mr. Khan will not be traveling to Toronto on March 7th to speak about tolerance, understanding, unity and the rule of law. Very regretfully, Ramsay Talks must cancel its luncheon with Mr. Khan.”
According to the post, Khan expressed his regret that he would be unable to attend. "This turn of events is not just of deep concern to me but to all my fellow Americans who cherish our freedom to travel abroad,” he is quoted as saying in the post. “I have not been given any reason as to why. I am grateful for your support and look forward to visiting Toronto in the near future.”
Khan told CTV News “I have no comments to make.”
According to the event page, Khan was set to speak about “what we can do about the appalling turn of events in Washington.”
It isn’t clear from whom Khan received the reported notice of his travel privileges being reviewed, while some on social media have speculated that Ramsey Talks could be misleading the public with its announcement. RT has contacted Ramsey Inc., the company behind Ramsey Talks, for further clarification.
CBC reporter John Paul Tasker tweeted to say Khan was also due to appear on The Current show on Tuesday.
People have expressed anger that an American citizen could have their travel impeded, with many questioning the fact that US citizens don’t need any sort of “travel privileges” to visit Canada.
Khan became a target for Trump after he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in July, where he slammed the then controversial presidential candidate for his comments about Muslims and his campaign rhetoric about a Muslim ban.
“Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims, he disrespects minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership,” Khan said. “He wants to build walls and ban us from this country."
Trump responded by implying Khan’s wife wasn’t allowed to speak while also tweeting about the Khans.
Khan’s son died in Iraq in 2004 and received a purple heart and gold star for his work in the military.