Colorado Governor Jared Polis has changed his stance on an incident involving armed gang members reportedly occupying an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, now stating that he is taking the situation seriously. This comes just two days after he had dismissed the event as a matter of “imagination.”
The controversy erupted earlier this week when a video surfaced showing what seemed to be an armed Venezuelan gang taking over an apartment complex in Aurora. In the footage, individuals were seen walking around with rifles and speaking Spanish. The owner of the video, captured through a doorbell camera, claimed it was recorded right before a shootout that left one person injured and several vehicles damaged by bullet holes.
Despite the video and police reports, Governor Polis initially dismissed the incident. A spokesperson for his office had responded to criticisms from Aurora Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, who blamed the governor’s policies for enabling such actions, by saying the incident was “largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.”
The spokesperson further added that “it’s illegal to take over buildings in Colorado,” and if Jurinsky had “knowledge” of such an event, the governor’s office would be willing to assist law enforcement.
However, Governor Polis has now acknowledged the incident may have occurred. During an appearance on CNN, he addressed criticism regarding his initial dismissal of the situation.
“It is completely illegal in Colorado to take over an occupied building,” Polis stated. “Aurora police departments are on the frontlines. If they need our help, I’ve told the mayor, I’ve told the police department the state is ready to assist.”
Polis also invited anyone with additional evidence to come forward, emphasizing that the state takes such threats “very seriously.”