Aurora police preparing for former President Donald Trump's Friday arrival
KDVR Fox 31
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Former President Donald Trump is making an appearance in Aurora on Friday, less than a month away from Election Day.
The Aurora Police Department is expecting about 10,000 people at the Gaylord Rockies Resort on Friday, in a city that does not typically see political candidates.
"We have had elected and people of this magnitude come to our city before, just doesn't happen very often," said Agent Matthew Longshore of Aurora police. "The Aurora Police Department doesn't really care about your political affiliations. We care about the safety and security of everyone attending."
The resort is about 30 minutes away from the troubled Aurora apartments that have gone viral and made national headlines in recent weeks. But, it's not known yet if the former president will make an appearance at those locations.
The Aurora Police Department said there will be increased officers inside and outside the venue, as well as managing traffic. According to an email sent to FOX31 from an attendee, parking will reportedly be off-site, and shuttles will bring guests in.
"We are there for safety, we're there for security. We want to make sure everyone gets along and this goes off without any incidents," said Longshore. "You shouldn't block the roadways, don't park in front of hydrants, try to avoid the neighborhood as much as you can. Let's be respectful of the people that live up there."
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman told FOX31 he will not be attending the rally. In a statement, he said:
“Former President Trump’s visit to Aurora is an opportunity to show him and the nation that Aurora is a considerably safe city – not a city overrun by Venezuelan gangs. My public offer to show him our community and meet with our police chief for a briefing still stands.
The reality is that the concerns about Venezuelan gang activity have been grossly exaggerated. The incidents were limited to several apartment complexes in this city of more than 400,000 residents.”
Doors for the event open at 9 a.m. Trump's remarks are expected at 1 p.m.