Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Aurora this Friday, October 11. The Trump campaign announced the rally yesterday, calling the city a “war zone.” Colorado’s Democratic Chair released a statement against the announced rally.
Over the summer, the city of Aurora has been inundated with talk about alleged Venezuelan gangs overtaking apartment complexes within the city. Trump leaned into this narrative, claiming the city is overrun by violent crime at the hands of the supposed gangs. He promises to deport thousands of immigrants, starting in Aurora, should he be elected in November.
However, city officials have countered the misinformation, and tenants say their issues have more to do with the complexes being abandoned by management. Even Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman (R) has said he wants to show Trump firsthand that the media blitz is overblown. Crime rates have also fallen in Aurora in the same time that immigrants have come to the state, according to KDVR.
Democratic Chair Shad Murib slammed the planned rally. “Trump isn’t coming to Aurora to talk about lifting up working people and creating a safer, more prosperous America,” Murib says. “Trump is coming to spew hatred and division that’s not reflective of the Colorado we fight for every day.” Given Trump’s continued aggravation of anti-immigrant rhetoric, Murib seems to be right about his motives for holding the rally.
Trump made the promise to visit Aurora and Springfield, Ohio back in September. Springfield is the epicenter of conspiracy theories against Haitian migrants. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, continues to spread the lie that immigrants within the area have eaten local pets. Multiple organizations and local officials have said the claim is false.
This is the second rally within a week bringing far-right propaganda to Colorado. On Saturday, anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Gays Against Groomers held a rally at the state capitol opposing gender affirming care for trans youth.
Photo courtesy of social media
