AMES, Iowa —

Students at Iowa State University Thursday grappled with the news that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a college event in Utah the day prior.

Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that promotes conservative politics on high school and college campuses. His work has influenced young conservatives across the country, including in Iowa.

On Iowa State’s campus, the news hit hard for students who followed Kirk's career closely.

“I felt my heart drop into my stomach," Brandon Simmons, who leads Iowa State’s College Republicans, said. "I had to walk outside of my class to take a breather because it just hit me all at once.”

Brandon Simmons said he grew up watching Kirk and following Turning Point USA. He said h

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