Addressing Concerns about Venezuelan Gangs: Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston React
Recently, a video depicting individuals carrying guns in a hallway of an Aurora apartment complex went viral on social media and conservative news outlets, sparking fears about the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in the area. In response to these concerns, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston addressed the situation during an interview with 9NEWS.
The video in question, filmed on August 18th at The Edge at Lowry on 12th Avenue and Dallas Street, raised alarm among residents and law enforcement alike. While the police have been investigating the incident, they have not confirmed the identities of the individuals shown in the video as members of the alleged gang.
Mayor Coffman acknowledged that a small number of apartment buildings in Aurora are experiencing intimidation from a Venezuelan gang, but emphasized that the police are actively working on resolving the issue and have already made arrests. He reassured the public that the gang’s activities are considered isolated incidents.
Both Aurora and Denver officials have been monitoring the situation with Tren de Aragua for several weeks, striving to understand the extent of their operations in the cities. However, they expressed concerns about the negative impacts of sensationalized news coverage, which could potentially hinder law enforcement efforts and create unnecessary panic.
Denver Mayor Johnston pointed out that Tren de Aragua’s presence in Denver is relatively minor compared to other well-established criminal organizations in the city. He emphasized the importance of newcomers or Venezuelan immigrants reaching out for help if they feel threatened, emphasizing that their safety is a top priority.
As the two mayors collaborate to combat gang activities in their respective cities, they urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities promptly. Mayor Johnston emphasized that individuals should not hesitate to reach out for help, regardless of their citizenship status, as public safety is paramount.
Both leaders underscored the need for unity and cooperation in addressing gang-related issues, emphasizing the shared commitment to maintaining peace and security in Aurora and Denver. They emphasized that while the American dream is welcome, any attempts to disrupt the peace will not be tolerated.
Watch the full interview with Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston:
(Embedded video here)
