View of the parking lot at the Gardens on Havana shopping center July 28 when between 3,000-4,000 people congregated there awaiting news about the presidential election in Venezuela. PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF COUNCILMEMBER DANIELLE JURINSKY. 
View of the parking lot at the Gardens on Havana shopping center July 28 when between 3,000-4,000 people congregated there awaiting news about the presidential election in Venezuela. PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF COUNCILMEMBER DANIELLE JURINSKY. 
View of the parking lot at the Gardens on Havana shopping center July 28 when between 3,000-4,000 people congregated there awaiting news about the presidential election in Venezuela. PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF COUNCILMEMBER DANIELLE JURINSKY. 
View of the parking lot at the Gardens on Havana shopping center July 28 when between 3,000-4,000 people congregated there awaiting news about the presidential election in Venezuela. PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF COUNCILMEMBER DANIELLE JURINSKY.
AURORA | Amid reports of gunfire and lawlessness, police and Aurora city officials say they’re continuing to sort out what happened Sunday evening in the parking lot of an Aurora shopping mall as 3,000-4,000 people gathered while awaiting Venezuela presidential election votes.
“Misinformation has spread on social media regarding the large gathering on Sunday at Gardens on Havana shopping center,” Aurora police spokesperson Agent Matt Longshore said in a statement Tuesday. “We recognize that Sunday’s incident was disconcerting and alarming for a large number of our residents and citizens.”
While some of what happened Sunday is unclear, police said they’re certain that cars and pedestrians flooded the parking lot of the shopping center, especially on the south end, near Target and two high-rise buildings adjacent to the shopping center.
Witnesses said cars began packing the parking lot in the afternoon and by 5 p.m. the parking lots were essentially full.
Some stores in the mall reportedly closed early because of the large crowd.
The gathering clearly focused on the controversial election for president in Venezuela, city officials said.
Venezuela’s opposition to President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory early in Sunday’s presidential election, based on exit polls. Since then, the government has declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner.
The election is considered so consequential that it will have ripple effects throughout the Americas, with government opponents and supporters alike signaling their interest in joining the exodus of 7.7 million Venezuelans who have already left their homes for opportunities abroad should Maduro win another six year term, the Associated press reported Tuesday.
Denver and federal officials say as many as 40,000 Venuezuelans have immigrated to the metro area over the past two years. Many now reside in Aurora, local immigrant officials say.
Police say it is unclear why those interested in the election chose the Gardens on Havana shopping center at East Mississippi Avenue and South Havana Street to congregate.
Police say the crowd was rowdy but not widely unruly. There was a large amount of trash left in the parking lot, and there were incidents of someone shooting a gun in the air.
Social media accounts, however, painted a different account than that provided by police.
Aurora Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky said in a Facebook post Sunday that the metro media was trying to downplay what she said was the streets and the shopping center being “taken over.”
Jurinsky posted a collection of photographs of packed parking lots and people apparently partying among crammed cars.
Some social media posts showed large amounts of trash strewn across the parking lot the next day.
“You will see that Venezuelan flags are flying,” she said in her post. “The shopping centers were invaded and cars trapped in. The streets were shut down. There are reports of assaults, theft, and gunshots in the air.
“Thousands of these folks took over and completely shut down a part of our city. The police were totally overrun, and were forced to get out of the area for their safety.”
Police disputed that account.
“Police did not leave and were there for the entire event,” Aurora spokesperson Ryan Luby said in a statement.
Jurinsky said she heard a police car was shot at. Police said a car was struck “by an unknown object while driving in the area,” but it was unclear what the object was, and that it caused minor damage to the police car,
“This is in the United States of America… this is in YOUR city,” Jurinsky wrote. “Please, please spread the word.”
Longshore said police were still investigating and offered this account of the event:
• Police were alerted to the event at about 5 p.m. when people called dispatchers to report suspicious activity.
• Police subsequently investigated a report of an assault on a store employee during a shoplifting incident.
• Police established a command post to monitor the gathering.
• Police said there were incidents of shots being fired into the air during the gathering. There were no reports of anyone being injured by gunfire.
• Trash and debris were left behind by those who attended the event.
• Police did not make any arrests nor did officers issue any tickets, citations or summons.
• Police have received no reports regarding social media claims that some attendees at the gathering “rioted, caused damage to businesses, passing vehicles and caused harm to passersby in the area.”
Some social media reports and messages to the Sentinel said the gathering was related to a notorious Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua. The gang has been reportedly active in Chicago and some other large eastern cities.
“There is no evidence to date that the gathering was organized by a criminal organization or that any gang activity occurred related to the gathering,” Longshore said.
Numerous social media commentaries pointed toward the ongoing immigration crisis and controversy in Colorado and the nation, and said the Aurora event should be considered during the election.
Mayor Mike Coffman in a Facebook post insisted that someone from the Venezuelan immigrant community apologize for the event.
“My message to the leaders of the Venezuelan immigrant community is that while I fully understand the reason for your celebration that doesn’t excuse your community from acting responsibly and you owe the residents of my city an apology for the unacceptable conduct demonstrated by far too many of your community members,” Coffman wrote.
Tuesday night, a Venezuela immigrant activist group offered an apology.
“SOS Venezuela Denver strongly condemns the behavior of Venezuelan immigrants that took place in the city of Aurora, during the evening of July 28th,” SOS Venezuela leaders said in a statement. “Understandably, these events created significant distress among local residents due to the large number of unruly people present, the noise generated, the firing of gunshots, and the consumption of alcohol in a public area.”
Officials apologized for the immigrants who turned out for event.
“It is unacceptable that individuals decided to hold such an event without considering the consequences or assessing the risks,” leaders said in the statement. “This event was a sad display of lawlessness and disregard for the community, especially considering that the city of Aurora has been particularly welcoming to the Venezuelan community.”
Other immigrant rights activists defended the gathering as a peaceful First Amendment right.
“The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition stands by the values of unity, respect, and the right to peaceful assembly,” said coalition Communications Manager Raquel Lane-Arellano. “The recent gathering of Venezuelans at a Target in Aurora was an expression of their right to assemble, a cornerstone of our democracy protected by our constitution.”
CIRC officials said police confirm “there were no injuries, no property damage and no individuals arrested despite rampant misinformation spreading online.”
Lane-Arellano said such misinformation and politicizing puts many immigrants at risk.
“We are concerned about statements from some city council members that mischaracterize this event and risks inciting fear, division, and violence against newcomers. Aurora has always thrived because of its diversity. We urge Aurora residents and city council members to reject divisive rhetoric and refrain from sharing unverified information.”
Asking Jurinsky not to fear monger is like telling a 3 year old not to touch a burning stove… So it’s ok for Trump to instruct his followers to lynch his former VP while taking over the capitol but not ok for out Venezuelan community to practice free speech ? Make it make sense to me.
LOL, your side bombed the Capitol twice; you have no high horse to ride on there.
YOU GOT IT CShgotw!
Yeah, never mind that there is not one single solitary piece of actual evidence to support your bogus claim that Trump “instructed his followers to lynch his former VP”. You made it up to justify your irrational hatred of everyone not in your little pathetic political cult.
No one has a right to demonstrate on private property. You need to learn the laws or go home.
The true of story of the events that played out on January 6, 2021 has never been fully told. And that is what the political opponents of Trump who took control of the government — with the eager amen-cornering of a “mainstream” media that no longer even pretends to be interested in the truth about anything — framed into a narrative about an “insurrection.” They are using that narrative, to this day, to frame any questioning of anything the left does as implicitly insurrectionary by dint of being a “threat to our democracy” — by which is meant a threat to the one-party rule of the left, which must never be questioned.
For all you lefties and liberals in Colorado it has always been my contention that the America left/liberals are fundamentally stupid. You have to be more than a little dense to accept left wings ideas in the first place. However lefties have a thick headness all their own. American liberals and lefties are simply punks They only think in terms of slogans, they can’t reconcile experience and ideas, they can’t read or understand the historical record, or even grasp why it has any connection to the current situation which strongly argues for a lack of understanding of simple cause of effect. They can’t come up with any rational program. They are their worse enemies.
Are you trying to make more enemies of the left? I read your remarks, thinking that I might hear some facts that I hadn’t heard before about Jan. 6. I don’t see anything resembling a fact in your remarks. It is all pretty much name calling.
So, if you were hoping to show the “stupid lefties” the facts of the matter, you were not successful.
The true of story of the events that played out on January 6, 2021 has never been fully told. And that is what the political opponents of Trump who took control of the government — with the eager amen-cornering of a “mainstream” media that no longer even pretends to be interested in the truth about anything — framed into a narrative about an “insurrection.” They are using that narrative, to this day, to frame any questioning of anything the left does as implicitly insurrectionary by dint of being a “threat to our democracy” — by which is meant a threat to the one-party rule of the left, which must never be questioned.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DO NOT HAVE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Fascist worm Danielle Jurinsky’s ignorance, paranoia, and hatred is on display once again. This cretin and her supporters are an embarrassment to our city.
and yet the ignorant paranoid haters elected her…..you get what you vote for
“Gunshots fired”— sure, nothing to see here…The amount of trash, broken glass, vomit, and urine that covered the parking lot on Monday was insane! And they made Target employees clean it up (my 16 yo child works at that Target). If you “practice free speech”, at least clean up after yourselves. It’s disrespectful to create more unnecessary work for minimum wage employees.
LOL- Just like the Trump rallies? So much damn garbage it is crazy, however I agree, CLEAN UP after yourselves it separates us from animals. It should not have been the job of the Target employees.
COULD BE but it is Target’s parking lot and they are responsible (I think) for it’s upkeep. I could be wrong there….but when it snows? Don’t they have it cleared?
They don’t have a right to do this on private property which is why protests generally happen at city hall. Idiots – maybe this is why Venezuela is in such bad shape.
For their customers not loiterers!
Gotta agree with that, Mama Bear. I think the apology from the SOS Venezuelan group was very well done. I believe that the majority of immigrants in our city are respectful and even grateful to Aurora and Colorado. But no, it’s not right to gather without permission, trash a public space, and leave the mess for others to clean up. Ms. Jurinsky’s comments are very troublesome, and it feels like she and her two fellow bigots are trying to make a lot of violence happen….not trying to help.
Grateful to see Aurora PD correct and combat the spread of misinformation. Exaggeration and lies told by politicians with the intent to stoke fear of others and hateful division will only make make the job of police that much harder.
too late, their already stoked the fear and hate and got themselves elected…
“This is the United States of America…this is YOUR city.”
I can’t help but ponder how this “celebration” is any different than what happens after the Nuggets, Avs or Broncos winning a championship?
The xenophobic spin coming from CM Jurinsky and the Mayor who claim to represent the residents of the most diverse city in the state is seriously troubling.
I’m not excusing any actual criminal behavior. But for the Mayor to demand an apology from the entire Venezuelan community for the acts of a very few solely because the trigger was a foreign election is completely over the top and destructive of community relations. Would the Mayor expect apologies from someone representing all Avs fans or all Nuggets fans after their next celebratory riot?
Anyone who cares about democracy and the plight suffered by people who have suffered under dictators such as Maduro or forced to escape their homes would show some empathy for what many of our Venezuelan neighbors have endured. I’m not hearing such from either the Mayor or CM Jurinsky.
This weekend’s situation of the flood of Venezuela “Newcomers” and Aurora’s response to what happened was totally predictable. The city leadership, police dept was well aware of what’s going on with the rising tide of “Newcomers” in Aurora but would rather look away and ignore this reality. The city has allowed the streets major intersections to have these folks out with squeegees swarming the cars at the red-light temporary insisting on touching and window washing your car. They are in droves at Home Depot standing and trying to flag down some day labor. Why is the city not moving these folks to the Dayton/Colfax Street Newcomer employment center we subsidize every year? The pattern of the “Newcomers” is to take over what they feel they are entitled to. Now the major shopping center was taken over and its comes as some big surprise. This shows the trademark of an inept city, saying it’s no big deal. We got things under control at these outdoor rallies. The city is incapable to defend and protect somebodies’ property it what this shows. CM Danielle Jurinsky has decided to take a public stand on this. She see’s what the city has willfully allowed, unwilling or incompetent to address and decided to take this out in the open. No more behind closed door discussions. Maybe some of these other council members will take some custody of the city as well. Regrettably, our District Federal reps are no where to be found on this, they are otherwise really busy welcoming more “Newcomers”.
WHAT THE????? “No more behind closed door discussions” They hid behind doors when they paid her lawyer and exonerated her! She didn’t take a public stand! She had no idea (as usual) about what she was talking about: only what she was told and even that was rejected….”trademark of an inept city”? well, at least the current conservative city council it is.
Hopefully the election in Venezuela gets overturned and then all the fake asylum claims can be denied. Then the poor, oppressed Venezuelan immigrants can go back.
What do you expect? We bring into our Aurora community mega thousands of illegal immigrants from a third world socialist country and expect them to play nice in our world. Looks like they are just bringing their old life into our civilized country.
The joke is on all of you that have welcomed the immigrants with your Diversity, Equality and Inclusion way of thinking. Danielle, let it go, it was just their way of having a “party”. It’s over. Look at the big picture. Stop immigration.
Grotesque as ever. You don’t need to spend your twilight living up to your name, but here you are nonetheless.
I wouldn’t worry about it. He will dead soon. (As will we all)
Just reread one of your comments from 2021 praising Candice Bailey and strongly supporting her for Aurora City Council. And I am the grotesque one? Considering you as the source, I deeply thank you.
I promise I’ll spend the rest of my time resisting comments from people like yourself so the Aurora public will see your many political deficiencies.
Hold on. Several thousand Venezuelans take to the streets to celebrate what they thought was the democratic removal of a socialist dictator that many of them escaped, and you go high and mighty talking about “bringing their old life into our civilized country?” Our civilized country where nearly every major sports championship ends with a riot, is that the country you were talking about?
Your xenophobia and condescension are simply astounding– and I say this as independent moderate who is repulsed by your statements.
Yes, Jeff, I believe the USA is a civilized country compared to Venezuela. Certainly didn’t mean to make your independent, moderate self angry and repulsed. That’s on you.
Nice job on you though, Jeff. You made a comment without bringing up the negativity of the City of Aurora and its relationship to Sales Taxes. Here, before, I thought you were only a one idea type of guy.
Good job, also, using big words. Makes many of us think you are well educated.
Has anyone read the statement from Venezuelan leaders in the city? Also, if you look at Jurinsky’s social medias the Venezuelans are thanking her for exposing the criminals. Everytime the Sentinel tries to put her down she becomes more popular. Ha!
Disgusting that the corrupt horrible Aurora Police Dept. Are supporting an invasion of not only our Country but now our State as well. Why are we taxpayers paying this garbage for safety when they clearly cannot even us safe.
Yes, Jeff, I believe the USA is a civilized country compared to Venezuela. Certainly didn’t mean to make your independent, moderate self angry and repulsed. That’s on you.
Nice job on you though, Jeff. You made a comment without bringing up the negativity of the City of Aurora and its relationship to Sales Taxes. Here, before, I thought you were only a one idea type of guy.
Good job, also, using big words. Makes many of us think you are well educated.
You all should wake up. This was a test run and will happen on a gain but expand to neighborhood homes. Not sure what Trump rally’s and J6 has to do with this. These are our neighborhoods. If they are so concerned about what’s going on in their country. They should go back and fight for their country. What can they do here?
The relevance is that we should all wake up to the tragic risk of somehow accepting any candidate or movement -in our own country- that embraces and seeks to rule with authoritarian values. Maduro didn’t accept Venezuela’s election outcome…sound familiar? Do folks want to protect something we US citizens still have right now? How about we vote to protect our fragile democracy and select leaders who truly support individuals rights and freedoms over their own power and themselves.