MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Wisconsin Republicans are reacting to the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative leader, who was shot and killed Wednesday during a university event in Utah.

Benjamin Rothove, president of the College Republicans of University of Wisconsin-Madison, said Kirk’s influence shaped his own political involvement.

“Charlie Kirk was an American hero,” he said. “He was a conservative movement leader. We need more Charlie Kirks, and I hope that we do have more Charlie Kirks,” Rothove said.

Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 and grew it into one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the country. Rothove said that approach changed how the right engaged with students.

“I can’t speak to 20 years ago, but I think that Charlie really recognized the

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