This story by Quentin Young appeared on Colorado Newsline on October 7, 2024.
Former President Donald Trump plans to visit Aurora, Colorado, a city he’s said has been overrun by violent migrant gang members.
An announcement on the Republican presidential nominee’s website indicates Trump plans to speak during an event at 1pm Friday, October 11, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.
Aurora became a focus of national attention in recent weeks after local conservative officials, including City Council member Danielle Jurinsky and Mayor Mike Coffman, amplified claims that Venezuelan gang members had taken over several apartment buildings in the city. Jurinsky said during an appearance on Fox News that the gang members had undertaken “a complete gang takeover in parts of our city.”
The city’s police chief debunked the claims, and the officials later walked back the most sensational rhetoric. But Trump seized on it as an anti-immigration campaign talking point, and alluded to it last month during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate.
Later, during a September 18 rally in New York, he said he would visit Aurora within two weeks.
Mayor Coffman, a Republican, told CBS News that he welcomed Trump’s visit.
“If he comes here, I see it as an opportunity to show him the city and break the narrative that this city is out of control when it comes to Venezuelan gangs,” Coffman told the outlet.
The chair of the Colorado Democratic Party said in a statement late Monday that a Trump visit to Aurora could help doom Republican candidates in the state.
“Coloradans aren’t fooled: Trump isn’t coming to Aurora to talk about lifting up working people and creating a safer, more prosperous America; Trump is coming to spew hatred and division that’s not reflective of the Colorado we fight for every day,” said Shad Murib. “Hopefully he plays his greatest hits before his supporters start leaving the rally early, per usual.”
A spokesperson for the Colorado Republican Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.