DES MOINES, Iowa — The death of Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, is being felt deeply across the country- and in Central Iowa, where many students have been directly influenced by his work.

Kirk reportedly founded the organization in his parents’ garage at just 18 years old. Since then, it has expanded rapidly, reporting more than 3,500 chapters at high schools and colleges across the nation. That includes multiple chapters in Iowa.

The group advocates for principles such as free markets, limited government, and individual liberty. He was an unabashed Christian conservative who often made provocative statements about gender, race and politics. But for many young conservatives in the region, it was Kirk’s ability to connect with his generation that left a lasting mark.

“I hope and pray that through this, our society will come together,” said Mac Kenzie Frame.

Frame first connected with Turning Point while she was a student at Luther College in Decorah and now serves as a student ambassador. She traveled to Israel on scholarship with the group and attends all of the organization’s national conferences. She said Kirk’s passion and faith left a strong impression on her.

“Truly, the youth, he’s connected us, and I think that will be such a monumental mark,” said Frame. “His faith and truly just wanting to speak truth, and I think that sticks with so many people.”

Broderick Toth, a former student at Central College in Pella, recalled meeting Kirk and being drawn to his message of unity through discussion- even when opinions differed.

“Even I didn’t agree with everything he said,” said Toth. “And I know many people who disagreed with a lot of what he said- on our side- but despite that, we still liked the idea of what he was trying to push forward… having a conversation and getting more unity.”

Kirk’s public assassination came roughly three months after the deadly shootings of two Democratic lawmakers and their families in Minnesota. Both Frame and Toth said they hope Kirk’s passing can be a moment of reflection- not just for conservatives, but for the country.

They believe his legacy could serve as a turning point toward greater understanding and dialogue.

Supporters of Kirk are planning to attend a candlelight vigil in West Des Moines on Friday night.