Colorado Dem governor says he’s taking armed Venezuelan gang members occupying apartment complex ‘seriously’ despite calling it made up two days ago

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has reversed his position on an incident in which armed gang members reportedly occupied an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, stating that he is now taking the situation seriously. This comes just two days after he dismissed the incident as a product of “imagination.”

The controversy began earlier this week when shocking video footage went viral, showing what appeared to be an armed Venezuelan gang taking over an apartment complex in Aurora. Individuals in the video were seen walking around with rifles and speaking Spanish. The owner of the footage, captured through a video doorbell camera, claimed it was recorded right before a shootout that left one person injured and multiple vehicles damaged with bullet holes. 

Despite the video footage and police reports, Governor Polis initially dismissed the event. According to the New York Post, a spokesperson for his office had responded to criticisms from Aurora Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, who blamed the governor's policies for the gang's actions, saying the incident was “largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.”

The spokesperson added that “it’s illegal to take over buildings in Colorado” and if Jurnsky has “knowledge” of the incident taking place, then the governor’s office would be ready to assist law enforcement.

Now, Governor Polis appears to acknowledge that the event took place. He addressed the issue during an appearance on CNN, responding to criticisms about his initial dismissal of the violence.

“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 further invited those with more evidence to come forward, stating, “If the people alleging this have more evidence, please bring it forward.”  He also emphasized that the state takes such threats “very seriously.”