Residents of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, are living in fear as reports emerge of an armed takeover by suspected members of a Venezuelan gang. A viral video showing heavily armed men patrolling hallways has sparked concern among local authorities and community members.
The footage, captured at an unidentified apartment complex in Aurora, depicts six men, five of whom are visibly armed, moving through the building. One individual is seen carrying what appears to be an assault rifle with a large scope, while four others brandish handguns. The men are shown climbing stairs and banging on a unit’s front door, raising alarm about the nature of their presence.
Aurora city council member Dani Jurinsky has claimed that a gang, believed to be the notorious Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, has taken control of several apartment complexes in the area. This development has shocked residents of Aurora, once considered a quiet suburb of Denver.
In response to the growing concerns, the Denver Police Department issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, “DPD takes the presence of Tren de Aragua seriously.” The department acknowledged reasons to believe gang members are linked to crimes in the area but stated they are not aware of any apartment buildings being “taken over” by this gang in Denver proper. They noted, however, that the viral video originates from neighboring Aurora.