By Kate Plummer
Copyright newsweek
Shirts resembling the one worn by Tyler Robinson, arrested in connection with the murder of Charlie Kirk, are being sold online, Newsweek has found.Listings on marketplaces Etsy and needshirt showed shirts replicating the one depicted in images the FBI circulated in their search for the suspect.A needshirt spokesperson told Newsweek they were reviewing the item, saying: “We were deeply saddened to learn about what happened to Charlie Kirk. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We sincerely apologize if the listing of any product on our platform caused offense or distress. That was never our intention. We are currently reviewing the item in question and taking the necessary steps to ensure that our platform remains respectful and sensitive, especially during such a difficult time.”Newsweek also contacted Etsy by email to comment on this story.The ContextPresident Donald Trump said on Friday morning that authorities had found Kirk’s suspected killer, nearly two days after the fatal shooting of the 31-year-old conservative influencer at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during a question-and-answer session. The suspect was later named as 22-year-old Robinson, and was reported to have confessed to the crime to his father.The FBI had called on the public to provide information about the person, offering up to $100,000 to people who do so. They also released images which showed the unknown individual wearing a black shirt with an eagle above the U.S. flag on the front, as well as the words “land of the free” and “home of the brave.”This shirt appears to have come from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), the Guardian reported.What To KnowOne shirt on needshirt, for sale at $17.49, is described as a “funny political T-shirt.””Are you looking for a bold and hilarious way to show off your sense of humor and political edge? Do you enjoy poking fun at today’s loudest conservative voices? If so, you’ll love this Charlie Kirk Shooter Shirt!” the advert says.One listing on Etsy showed a shirt with the description “Land of the Free Home of the Brave Shirt Bald Eagle USA Flag Tee Patriotic American T-shirt Charlie Kirk Shooters Shirt, Kirk Shooter Shirt.” An Etsy tagline said the shirt was “in demand” and that two people had purchased it in the last 24 hours. At the time of publication, it was no longer available.Reviews indicated that this shirt had been available for sale since November 2024 but the description shows it has been remarketed in the wake of Kirk’s killing.Another listing, described as “Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Shirt, Charlie Kirk Shooters Shirt, Mens Black Disabled Veteran T-shirt, Kirk Shooter Shirt” showed one of the images that the FBI released of the suspect. Like the other listing, it appeared to have been on sale previously but had been updated to reflect its new significance. The earliest review of the shirt was posted in April 2025. It was also no longer available.The description of the shirt said: “The shirt worn by the man who changed headlines. This bold and provocative tee is not just another graphic—it’s a conversation starter, a statement, a symbol. Inspired by the shirt reportedly worn by the individual involved in the Charlie Kirk incident, this design brings patriotism, protest, and political heat to the front lines of fashion.”A third, also no longer available, was described as: “Charlie Kirk Shooter Shirt: American Flag Eagle Tee—Cultural Memorabilia” and carried the description: “The Charlie Kirk Shooter’s Shirt has gone viral after being identified as the shirt worn during today’s tragic events. This tee features the classic patriotic graphic with a bald eagle soaring across the American flag and the iconic words: ‘Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.'”Whether you’re a collector of cultural memorabilia, a journalist, or someone documenting this historic moment, this shirt is quickly becoming one of the most-searched-for items online. Its design captures American pride while now carrying a layer of cultural and historical relevance following this incident.” Etsy described the shirt as new and said it had, at the time of writing, been sold 19 times.Meanwhile, as well as replicas of the shooter’s shirt, people are also selling shirts that resemble the one Kirk was wearing when he was shot.What People Are SayingScott Lucas who teaches international politics at University College Dublin, told Newsweek: “It’s just a part of human nature that there will always be those who try to profit of any event no matter what the circumstances are.”President Donald Trump told Fox & Friends on Friday: “Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this.” He added that he was “like a son” to him and “a brilliant guy.” “I’ve never seen young people go to one person like they did to Charlie.”He said: “I think with a high degree of certainty we have [the suspect] in custody.”The DVNF told the Guardian: “The shirt in question was mailed as a gift to potential DVNF supporters over the past few years. DVNF has never sold this shirt, and it is not currently available for distribution.”What Happens NextTrump said there will be updates about the identity of the suspect later today.Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.
