Florida Rep. Juan Porras says he is devastated by the shooting death of Charlie Kirk , the Turning Point USA founder who launched his political career and stood by his side for more than a decade.

For Porras, who represents District 119 covering Kendall and Hammocks, the loss is personal.

"It's hard for me to talk about this," he said.

Wednesday's shooting in front of college students in Utah took the life of a friend Porras first met o n Florida International University 's campus 10 years ago. The two bonded when Porras, then a student, started an FIU chapter of Turning Point USA .

Last year, they celebrated together at Mar-a-Lago, where Kirk honored elected officials who once served the group in college.

"He has been someone for me personally that has shaped not just how

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