TPUSA to give away 5,000 Charlie Kirk freedom shirts at Penn State-Oregon game following death of activist

Turning Point USA said it will give away 5,000 Charlie Kirk freedom shirts to fans at the Penn State-Oregon game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa., on Saturday. The announcement comes after Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, an incident that has prompted tributes from supporters and opponents alike.

Benny Johnson, a longtime friend of Kirk, announced the plan on Will Cain Country, describing the matchup as a whiteout and noting that Kirk loved Oregon and had a large following at Penn State. TPUSA said the giveaway aims to honor Kirk as fans prepare to attend the high-profile game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Oregon Ducks.

TPUSA said Kirk's memorial service drew roughly 90,000 attendees at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., with about 10,000 at an overflow venue at Desert Diamond Arena and another 10,000 watching from nearby viewing areas, according to estimates provided by the nonprofit.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of aggravated murder in Kirk's death. He surrendered to authorities about 33 hours after the shooting, after his parents and a family friend urged him to turn himself in rather than take his own life.

Kirk rose to prominence after dropping out of college to pursue political activism and founding Turning Point USA in 2012, a nonprofit group that promotes conservative youth activism on high school and college campuses. His work with TPUSA helped propel a broader national conversation about campus politics and youth engagement on both sides of the ideological spectrum.

The Penn State-Oregon clash has been described by organizers as a game of the week and a whiteout, a Penn State tradition in which fans dress in all white to create a uniform backdrop in the stands. The event at Beaver Stadium comes as a moment of both remembrance and political organizing for Kirk's supporters.

Charlie Kirk's death has reverberated across conservative circles and beyond, with tributes continuing as authorities pursue the investigation and supporters reflect on his impact on youth activism and political engagement in higher education.