In a recent statement, Mike Coffman, the Republican mayor of Aurora, Colorado, addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump during his rally in the city. Coffman described Trump’s remarks about Venezuelan gang activities as “grossly exaggerated,” arguing that such claims have negatively impacted Aurora’s reputation and overall safety.
Aurora gained attention in August when a video surfaced, allegedly showing armed Venezuelan gang members at an apartment complex. Trump has since seized on this incident to assert that the Biden administration’s immigration policies have allowed violent criminals to infiltrate the U.S. southern border.
At the rally, held just east of Denver, Trump stated that Aurora had been “invaded and conquered” by migrants, labeling gang members as “animals” and “barbaric thugs.” However, Mayor Coffman refuted these claims in his statement, clarifying that the issues faced by the city were confined to just a few complexes and that local police were already addressing these matters.
“Thousands of attendees saw firsthand how mischaracterized our community is,” Coffman noted, expressing regret that Trump didn’t take more time to explore the real Aurora.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s comments have ignited controversy. Recently, Ohio Republican leaders criticized him for unfounded claims that Haitian migrants were involved in kidnappings and even pet consumption. These allegations have created panic in a southwestern Ohio city, leading to multiple bomb threats.
Republican Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has voiced concern over these damaging assertions, stating that politicians need to recognize the harm their words can inflict on local communities. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine echoed this sentiment, denouncing the “hurtful” rhetoric.
Update 10/11/24, 11:25 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and background.