ST. LOUIS - The political world is mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, 31, a political influencer who was assassinated Wednesday after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Darren Bailey, a longtime friend of Kirk and former Illinois State Senator, spoke with FOX 2 regarding the 31-year-old’s death.

“My heart breaks—it breaks for Charlie’s family and his beautiful wife and his young children,” Bailey said. “And it breaks for this country, so it’s a sad day and it’s a difficult day.”

Bailey, who met Charlie at a Turning Point USA campus in Arizona, learned of Kirk’s passing via social media. 

“We had been praying hard that (Kirk) would survive this and be healed, and that did not happen,” Bailey told FOX 2.

Bailey cited Kirk’s influence on younger generations, as well as his impact on college campuses. 

“They began to pick up and learn for themselves and challenge the system,” Bailey said. “And that is what this country is about.”

Kirk is survived by his two children and wife.