Australian National Review – Left-wing Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who dismissed armed Venezuelan gangs in Aurora as “imaginary”, now claims to be taking threat “seriously”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who initially dismissed Aurora residents’ concerns about the takeover of local apartment complexes by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as “imaginary,” has now backtracked, saying he is taking the situation “very seriously.”

Aurora is struggling with the presence of the notorious Venezuelan gang, which has reportedly taken control of several apartment complexes in the city.

Despite overwhelming evidence, including video footage, police reports and resident testimonies, Governor Polis’ administration initially downplayed the seriousness of the situation.

Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky is one of the first to expose the gang’s activities and repeatedly warns about the increasing violence and criminal behavior.

“We don’t believe this,” said Jurinsky, who pointed out that the closing of Fitzsimon’s apartment complex, which displaced hundreds of families, was not simply the result of building code violations, as city officials alleged, but rather the result of a gang takeover.

A recent video from Fox 31 Denver reporter Vicente Arenas showed chilling footage of an armed group at another apartment complex in Aurora, further corroborating the claims.

Jurinsky wrote: “And I repeat… A GANG HAS TAKEN OVER SEVERAL APARTMENT COMPLEXES IN Aurora!”

Jurinsky’s warnings were met with a dismissive response from Polis’s press office. Spokesperson Shelby Wieman said the alleged gang invasion was “largely a function of Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.”

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has been vocal about the crisis, saying that several buildings have fallen into the hands of Venezuelan gangs, who he says have ties to taxpayer-funded migrant housing.

Coffman stressed that these gangs use intimidation tactics to drive out property managers and collect rent, a disturbing trend that Polis does not want to change.

In a recent interview with CNN, Governor Polis appeared to reverse his previous position, claiming that his administration was taking the threat “very seriously.”

“Oh, we’ve taken it very seriously. Weeks ago I convened the city of Aurora with the state and federal government,” Polis said.

“Look, it’s completely illegal in Colorado to take over and occupy a building, and the Aurora Police Department is on the front lines. If they need our help, I’ve told the mayor and the police department that the state stands ready to help if it’s above and beyond their capabilities.”

“If the people making this claim have any further evidence, please come forward and give it to the Aurora Police Department. The State of Colorado takes these types of threats very seriously.”

WATCH:

Two days ago, Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis dismissed armed Venezuelan gang members taking over apartment complexes in Aurora as figments of our “imagination.”

Now he says he is taking the situation “seriously.”

The only one who takes this seriously is the president… photo.twitter.com/SYugR3eBWq

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 31, 2024