PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Members of the University of Pennsylvania College Republicans are speaking out following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The group had been preparing to host Kirk on the Philadelphia campus this semester. News of his death broke as they were organizing a 9/11 memorial.

One member from Utah had a sibling at the event and was following real-time updates as the tragedy unfolded.

"He had a big appeal for a lot of people - whether they agreed with his beliefs or not - he was open to discussion and challenged young people," said Sunya Afrasiavi, political director of Penn College Republicans and a sophomore.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and quickly rose to prominence as a leading voice in GOP youth outreach. He expanded the organization

See Full Page