The Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, has seen little change in enrollment numbers, as students express concerns over possible retaliation. Chapter leaders and local supporters report that these fears have contributed to membership stagnation.
Rachel Cook, vice president of the Fort Lewis College TPUSA chapter, described the enrollment situation. “It’s definitely been flat,” she said. This follows significant turmoil after the student government decided to recognize the chapter. Videos obtained by Fox News Digital depict the severity of the conflicts.
One incident caught on video shows a student detained by campus police after hitting a 66-year-old local resident, David Peters, with a Taco Bell cup. Peters has a history as the former chair of the La Plata County GOP and a retired Chevron executive. He reflected on the impact this incident has had on group membership.
“Their membership has been essentially flat. The issue is that a lot of students are reluctant to join the chapter for fear of retaliation,” Peters stated. He added that some members faced anonymous death threats.
Cook agreed, citing safety concerns. She noted that students hesitated to join due to personal safety threats. “A lot of our officers have been getting threats and being harassed,” she said.
The situation at Fort Lewis College traces back to increasing interest in TPUSA campus chapters nationwide. Following the assassination of TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025, the organization reported over 120,000 student inquiries to form chapters.
On campus, then-senior Jonah Flynn led the effort to establish a chapter. The Associated Students of Fort Lewis College initially rejected his proposal, but later approved it amidst high tension. Approximately 70 attendees gathered for the controversial meeting where a police report documented the confrontation involving Peters and a student identified as Megan Elizabeth Hope Mollett.
Though harassed, Peters chose not to press charges, but requested university disciplinary action. The campus climate remains tense, with incidents involving former faculty member David Kozak shouting abuses at TPUSA supporters captured on video.
A spokesperson from Fort Lewis College emphasized their commitment to student safety. They noted that no reports of harassment within the TPUSA chapter have been received in the current academic year, and encouraged students to report any negative experiences.
The ongoing tensions on campus reflect wider concerns about political violence post-Kirk’s assassination. Authorities linked this violence to political motives highlighted by evidence like engraved ammunition.
For further information, Fort Lewis College encourages students to use their reporting systems for any safety concerns.