An apartment complex in Colorado, where armed members of a Venezuelan gang were captured on video entering a unit last summer, is set to close in about a month following an emergency court order, as announced by city officials on Monday.
The city of Aurora took legal action to declare all but one building at the complex a criminal nuisance. Last week, officials requested the closure of the property, citing a 'breaking point' reached after the violent kidnapping and assault of two residents last month.
Aurora City Attorney Pete Schulte stated that the city's request was granted on Friday, with lawyers for the property owner, CBZ Management, disputing the allegations and requesting a trial to address the lawsuit.
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain supported the closure, highlighting the complex's transformation into a hub for crime due to a 'criminal element' that had instilled fear among residents.
The city is collaborating with the county and other entities to provide relocation assistance to residents in 52 affected apartments.
Footage from August showing armed individuals at the complex gained attention during the presidential campaign, with President-elect Donald Trump mentioning a plan called 'Operation Aurora' to combat migrant gangs.
Authorities later confirmed that two suspects from the video, arrested in New York, were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The rifle seen in the video was linked to a fatal shooting outside the complex, as per Colorado court documents.
The closure does not extend to a sixth building at the complex owned by a different branch of CMZ, which is under the management of a court-appointed official for building improvements at the request of the mortgage lender.
