South
Colorado mayor speaks out after video of armed Venezuelan gang in apartment goes viral: 'Failed policy'
Mayor Mike Coffman of Aurora, Colorado joined “America Reports” on Thursday after surveillance footage showing armed Venezuelan gang members in an apartment complex went viral online.
Coffman confirmed that at least two apartment buildings within the city limits have been overtaken by Venezuelan gangs.
VIDEO SHOWS ARMED GANG AT TROUBLED COLORADO APARTMENT BUILDING BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER BY MIGRANTS
The mayor also admitted on-air that “Cookie Monster,” a Tren de Aragua gang leader, “has been apprehended.”
“This is an organized criminal effort. Whether it’s trend, a drug war, that remains to be to be seen,” said Coffman.
The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment concerning the organized crime efforts of Tren de Aragua in the Aurora area.
Former Congressman and current Mayor of Aurora, Colorado Mike Coffman joined “America Reports” on Thursday to update the nation on Venezuelan gangs in his city. (Larry French/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
“So there are several buildings actually under the same ownership, out of state ownership, that have, fallen to, these Venezuelan gangs. I’m trying to walk it back and do the, and do the investigation as to how there’s a concentration of Venezuelans, in these, these three buildings,” said Coffman.
“Somebody put them there and somebody funded it, whether it’s federal government or not, we’re trying to find out who, these gangs apparently, or attracted to where there’s a concentration of, of, Venezuelan migrants. And so, they’ve, in fact, have kind of pushed out the property management through intimidation and then, collected the rents,” he added.
VENEZUELAN GANG TREN DE ARAGUA GIVES ‘GREEN LIGHT’ TO MEMBERS TO ATTACK COPS: OFFICIALS
An anonymous former resident of one of the apartment buildings confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday that members of Tren de Aragua have collected rent from residents in at least one overrun complex.
Mayor Coffman claims the city of Aurora is “a victim” of federal policy and nearby Denver’s sanctuary city policy.
“[This is] not our problem, federal problem or issue. They need to resolve it. Not us. But somehow we got sucked into this,” said Coffman.
Alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang have overtaken an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, charging rent in exchange for ‘protection.’ (Edward Romero)
“I think we’re a victim of a failed policy at the southern border because, what you have, I, Venezuelan, does not according to to my law enforcement, Venezuela does not cooperate with the United States in sharing criminal histories. You had a third of the country leave,” said Coffman.
“You’ve had these massive waves of migrants coming across the border that many of them crossed the border illegally, were arrested, asked for a political asylum, were not adequately vetted, were released into the country, the city of Aurora. We did everything we could to, quite frankly, keep them out of out of the city because it’s not our problem. This is a federal problem,” the mayor asserted.
The apartment building has been completely overrun by the alleged gang members, including changing the locks, according to one resident. (Council member Danielle Jurinsky)
One Aurora mom has gone viral for her video claiming that she doesn’t feel safe taking her children to public parks in the area anymore given the presence of Venezuelan gangs.
“This is terrifying. And I understand they’re coming here for a better life, but at the same time, is this life getting any better when you’re bringing what was there here?” she asked.
Aurora PD has not released any new statements since their social media post via X on Wednesday on the situation, calling it “isolated.”
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Coffman formerly served as congressman for Colorado’s 6th District as a Republican from 2009 through 2019.
Miami, FL
Reports: Heat add potent bench scorer in Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 13.5 points and shot 40.7% on 3-pointers last year in his first season with the Denver Nuggets.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new wingman in Miami.
ESPN, NBA on Prime and The Athletic reported Tuesday that Tim Hardaway Jr. will sign with the Miami Heat. ESPN reported that the deal is for one year and $6.5 million for Hardaway Jr., one of the league’s most dangerous long-range shooters.
Hardaway agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Heat, sources said. Miami officials finalized the deal with Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tonight. https://t.co/c47Tx4D1KX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
Hardaway Jr. averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 40.7% on 3-pointers last year in his first season with the Denver Nuggets. He led all reserves with 205 3-pointers made last year and was awarded a third-place finish in the league’s 6th Man of the Year Award.
The 34-year-old swingman, son of Hall of Fame point guard Tim Hardaway, has played for five teams in his 13-year career. Hardaway Jr. is a career 36.5% shooter on 3-pointers, and he’s averaged 2.3 3s made per game in 893 career games.
Atlanta, GA
FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta bracing for huge crowds, high heat
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – General admission tickets to FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta are sold out as temperatures hover in the 90s, with organizers urging attendees to prepare for the heat ahead of a packed Wednesday schedule.
Three matches are scheduled for Wednesday, including a U.S. Men’s National Team match in the evening, as the World Cup continues in the knockout stage. The festival at Centennial Olympic Park has welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors since the start of the tournament.
What fans should know before they go
Organizers are advising fans to wear light, loose clothing and bring hats. Neck fans are permitted, as are plastic water bottles without labels. The park opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Wednesday.
“We are aware of the heat index and we want to make sure people are comfortable and safe within the park,” said Chincie Mouton, Director of Sports Engagement & Community Impact for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
Shaded areas, a splash pad at the Fountain of Rings, and water filling stations are available throughout the park. Some of those water stations are supplied by Third Rock Sanitation Solutions, a family-owned company based in Alpharetta.
“We believe we are absolutely life support here, because water is essential for all of us,” said Mark Slade with Third Rock Sanitation Solutions, based in Alpharetta.
The stations provide chilled, filtered water across the park.
“Without the water, let’s face it, there would be people dehydrated, falling out, there would be several problems. So, being part of that, it’s a really good feeling, heartfelt feeling,” Slade said.
Paramedics on standby
Paramedics and safety crews will be on hand should anyone become overwhelmed by the heat, organizers said.
Jason Walker and his son traveled from England to see England play Congo in Atlanta. The match will be held indoors at Atlanta Stadium. Walker said the outdoor heat was already noticeable upon arrival.
“I’m obviously suffering from it at the moment, it’s extremely hot at the moment,” Walker said.
All five remaining days of the Fan Festival are sold out for free tickets. Some paid tickets remain available. Organizers will stop admitting fans once capacity is reached — a threshold that has been hit during U.S. games being played at the park. Early arrival is encouraged.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Community center, Helene and parking get Augusta leaders’ attention
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Commission members met Tuesday, hearing from the public and looking at a variety of issues.
West Augusta community center
A member of the public asked commissioners for confirmation about whether the proposed west Augusta community center is an approved SPLOST 9 project and sought clarification on its designation, prioritization, site location, scope, and projected timeline for implementation.
She asked whether the promised $10 million is protected for that project.
She said west Augusta is one of the city’s fastest-growing areas but still lacks a community center, arguing it is essential infrastructure that would improve health, provide safe recreation, and offer programs for youth and seniors.
Parks and Recreation Director Tameka Williams confirmed the project is included in SPLOST 9 under a broader $21.7 million category for new facilities and facility revitalization, with $10 million intended for the new center.
The speaker expressed concern that because the referendum grouped several parks projects together, the money could eventually be redirected elsewhere.
Commissioner Don Clark assured her the funding is designated for a new community center
Interim City Attorney Plunkett explained that while the referendum language is broad, the materials presented to voters specifically identified $10 million for a West Augusta Community Center, making the commission accountable to that commitment.
Williams noted the project is approved, but key details — including a site, land acquisition, construction timeline, and where it falls in SPLOST priorities—have not yet been determined.
Helene cost update
Commissioners approved a change order to extend some Hurricane Helene work to Dec. 31. Tetra Tech reported the city has submitted an estimated $83.6 million in eligible storm costs.
Of that, $75.9 million has now been approved by FEMA, a 36% increase — roughly $20 million more than when the company last updated commissioners in February.
The company said the remaining work involves navigating FEMA’s extensive documentation, auditing, and compliance requirements as Augusta continues drawing down the approved funds.
During questions, Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle asked whether FEMA could help cover the millions of dollars in storm damage to trees and canal embankments along the canal.
Tetra Tech said it is working with Augusta Utilities, FEMA, and state officials to determine what portions of that project qualify for reimbursement, but no final determination has been made because of the project’s complexity.
Parking approval
Commissioners approved a motion to approve for city staff to initiate procurement of a parking management firm for the downtown area and for the law department to draft related updates to the Code of Ordinances regarding parking.
Leaders approved moving forward with the next steps toward a downtown parking management system, including starting the procurement process for a private parking management company and drafting updates to Augusta’s parking ordinances.
Commissioner Jordan Johnson questioned whether the city had fully weighed the costs and benefits of outsourcing parking management versus running it in-house.
Engineering Director Dr. Malik said he now recommends hiring a private contractor to handle the entire operation—from equipment to enforcement—with the city receiving a guaranteed revenue amount under the contract. He said that approach would require little to no upfront cost for Augusta because the contractor would absorb implementation expenses.
Malik said the amount of revenue the city receives will depend largely on the hourly parking rate. He previously recommended $1.50 an hour but now believes a minimum of $2.50 would better reflect rising costs. He pointed to cities like Atlanta and Savannah, where parking programs generate millions of dollars annually.
Johnson also asked about the timeline. Malik said staff is currently drafting the request for proposals, with a draft expected before a July stakeholder meeting. The procurement process is still in its early stages, so no implementation schedule has been established, including whether paid parking would coincide with the ongoing Broad Street improvement project.
Johnson requested a list of businesses and organizations participating in stakeholder meetings, saying he wants to ensure the group represents the full downtown community. Malik said participants include the Downtown Development Authority, Augusta Tomorrow, Destination Augusta, economic development officials, restaurants, and downtown business owners.
Commissioners also discussed the ordinance changes that would be needed if paid parking moves forward. The law department said revisions would likely cover parking fees, time limits, violations, and enforcement procedures, using ordinances from cities like Athens, Atlanta, and Savannah as models while updating a draft ordinance
Johnson also asked about potential enforcement costs, including impacts on the courts or sheriff’s office, and said the city should understand those expenses before committing to a system.
He also questioned whether enough public feedback has been gathered, noting Augusta’s previous attempts at paid parking — including parking meters and a downtown parking deck — were unsuccessful
Malik said initial feedback has come primarily through the Downtown Development Authority and conversations with Broad Street businesses, but broader public input will continue as the process moves forward.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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