DENVER — Anonymous far-right social media accounts have claimed the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle club is coming to Colorado to fight Venezuelan gang members. They have not provided evidence to support that is happening.
The videos used as "evidence" either didn't show the Hells Angels or were taken months ago. One video from July shows motorcyclists participating in an Insanos Motorcycle Club event in Brazil. The other video is from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The inaccurate videos got millions of views on social media after being shared by conservative influencers and elected officials like Colorado Republican State Rep. Ryan Armagost.
In a statement sent to 9NEWS and posted on Instagram, The Colorado charter of Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) denies the "foundation and validity of these absolutely ridiculous and false claims." The statement goes on to say the club doesn't get involved in political issues outside of motorcycling and does not take a stance on immigration or the presidential election.
"Social media rumors like this only serve to perpetuate a false and irresponsible narrative about the HAMC for the sole purpose of driving traffic and clicks," the statement says. "These rumors also have the potential of causing real harm to real people."
Republicans in Aurora, including City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, have been pushing the narrative that the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, is taking over apartment complexes in Aurora, which has gained national attention.
In an interview with 9NEWS, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the situation is being exaggerated.
Coffman acknowledged that residents of two or three apartment buildings in the city are being intimidated by a Venezuelan gang but said that Aurora Police are handling the situation and making arrests. Police said the gang's activity is "isolated."
