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Gunfire and chaos at anti-Maduro celebration in Denver

VIOLENCE MARRED THE CELEBRATION

Jesús Sánchez Meleán

El Comercio de Colorado

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What began as an informal celebration by Venezuelans in Denver over the departure of Nicolás Maduro from power ended in tragedy. A gathering convened spontaneously, without clear permits and organized through social media and messaging groups, resulted in a shooting that left at least one person dead and several others injured, according to the Denver Police Department (DPD).

The incident occurred in a parking lot located at 10101 E. Hampden Ave., where Goyos Grill, a Venezuelan food truck, operates. That location was chosen after other sites in the metropolitan area were ruled out. According to messages posted in the WhatsApp group Venezolanos en Denver, participants evaluated several locations throughout the day, including a parking lot in Centennial, which was ultimately discarded.

Did they understand what a peaceful gathering meant?

So far, it is unclear whether the event had any special permit, whether there was a formal organizer, or whether the business owners sought authorization from authorities. In messages shared on WhatsApp, some participants assumed no permit was required, citing a post by Governor Jared Polis in which he expressed his satisfaction with Maduro’s departure.

Polis concluded his message with an appeal to Venezuelans in Colorado: “We respect everyone’s right to peacefully demonstrate, including celebrating the fall of Maduro, and we ask that it be done without violence.” That phrase was interpreted as sufficient approval to gather. However, videos shared in the same groups show an environment marked by alcohol consumption, an overflowing party atmosphere, and armed individuals.

All indications point to a lethal combination, as the gathering ultimately turned fatal. The notion of a “peaceful demonstration” appeared to dissolve amid music, drinks, and tensions that have yet to be fully explained. The case revives questions similar to those raised in July 2024, when another Venezuelan gathering along the same Hampden Avenue corridor—this time in Aurora—also ended in chaos and violence.

Gunfire and chaos at anti-Maduro celebration in Denver

Unanswered questions

We repeat nearly the same questions asked after the tragedy in the Target parking lot: Who bears responsibility when events are called through social media? Can informal organizers be held accountable? Should nearby businesses have alerted police to a large gathering? Was there a political motive, such as a clash between chavistas and opponents, or was it a fight among alcohol-intoxicated young people who were armed?

Denver police confirmed they are investigating a shooting in the area of South Galena Street and East Hampden Avenue. In an initial report, one victim was transported to a hospital. Later, the DPD reported that three additional victims were located. Two arrived at hospitals by private vehicles, and another was taken by private vehicle to the area of Iliff and Havana, where that person was pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the tragedy serves as a stark warning about the risks of improvised gatherings without oversight or coordination, in a context where gun violence remains a persistent threat in Colorado.