Jurinsky vs. Fard: Fact-Checking Their Fiery Debate on Crime, Youth, and Policing

Aurora Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky and Brother Jeff Fard recently met on the ‘Free Think Zone’ on May 6. The conversation was intended to encourage dialogue about differing political ideologies and personal views.

Fard, a longtime Denver activist, advocates for respectful dialogue between people with opposing views. Jurinsky, likewise, presents herself as a champion for ‘ALL of Aurora,’ according to her website and social media profiles. She highlights jobs and the economy, public safety, taxes and fees, and neighborhood revitalization as her key priorities and serves on several committees focused on these issues.

The conversation spanned more than two hours and covered everything from crime to city services. We at Yellow Scene Magazine took the opportunity to put Jurinsky’s most striking and disputed claims under the microscope. 

Here’s what we found

Del Mar Park/Circle

About a week prior to the interview, Jurinsky criticized Fard on social media for reposting a video from an incident at Del Mar Park in April. The footage showed a large crowd in the street, with people driving in donuts, riding ATVs, and standing on parked cars. It also depicted a long line of vehicles backed up at an intersection and police cars driving through the area.

Jurinsky accused Fard of promoting the behavior captured in the video, citing concerns about public safety and strain on police resources. In response to her statement about police resources, Fard argued that police are typically present at Del Mar Park regardless of whether an event is happening.

Claim 1: 

Jurinsky stated that all police resources were sent to Del Mar Park to respond to the gathering shown in the video. 

 “All of our police resources were taken to go respond to Del Mar Park.”

— Time Stamp: 09:05 / 09:58

Assessment: Unfounded

There are no available records or official statements from the Aurora Police Department that confirm the exhaust of police resources on April 27 or April 28, when the video was uploaded. 

Claim 2: 

Jurinsky stated some of the vehicles being used were illegal.

 “Those ATVs are not street legal. It’s not legal to have them out.”

— Time Stamp: 11:01

Assessment: True

It is not legal to ride ATV or other off-road vehicles on public streets or highways in Colorado.

Claim 3: 

Jurinsky claims hundreds of people were present at the event.

 “I was told that it was upwards of 1000 people that were there.”

— Time Stamp: 11:01

Assessment: Unfounded

There are no available records or official statements from the Aurora Police Department that confirm the number of people at Del Mar Park on this day. Jurinsky’s statement is based on hearsay.

Claim 4:

Jurinsky stated that the organizers needed and lacked a permit to host the event.

 “You’re supposed to pull a permit. The person who held the event did not hold that permit. And for any event, and for any large gathering, that permit is pulled and it is known about ahead of time that part of the permitting process is what public safety needs to look like for that event.”

— Time Stamp: 17:18-17:45

Assessment:  Likely True

As of now, there are no records or indications that the organizer obtained a permit. A permit is required for gatherings using public roads.

Claim 5:

Jurinsky claimed that people involved were running from the police.

 “It was very clear in some of the video footage that they’re going through that some of these folks ran from the police.”

— Time Stamp: 18:35

Assessment: Unclear

Police vehicles are visible in the video, and there is a car driving in the opposite direction of the police. However, there are no official records or statements from the Aurora Police Department indicating that anyone fled from law enforcement. Additionally, the video itself doesn’t show anyone clearly running from police, in fact, at one point, individuals are seen approaching the police cars and even dancing near them, not fleeing. That said, given the chaotic nature of the event, it’s not out of the question that some individuals may have dispersed or avoided contact with officers off-camera.

Claim 6:

Jurinsky claimed that the incident in the video resulted in one arrest.

 “There was one arrest made. Everybody is saying that there were no arrests made, okay, there was one arrest made, confirmed.”

— Time Stamp: 19:30

Assessment: Unfounded

As previously noted, the Aurora Police Department has released few public records or statements about the event, and no news outlets appear to have reported any arrests. One likely unrelated suspect was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting early on April 27. However, that incident occurred about four miles from Del Mar Park and has not been linked to the gathering.

Youth/Rebuilding Trust

Claim 1: 

Jurinsky claims she has worked closely with a non-profit organization called The Road Called STRATE.

“I have prided myself to work so closely with organizations in Aurora that are really trying to rebuild that trust and work with the youth and bring police into these spaces, with the Black and Brown minority youth in Aurora. And one of those specifically is “The Road Called STRATE.”

— Time Stamp: 25:09

Assessment: True

Jurinsky has endorsed The Road Called STRATE on social media and participated in fundraisers for the non-profit. 

Claim 2: 

Jurinsky claims she pushed for support and funding for violence prevention programs.

“I have advocated for funding for them, the funding for these violence prevention programs in Aurora.”

— Time Stamp: 26:36

Assessment: Misleading

Jurinsky voted against increased funding for Aurora’s Youth Violence Prevention Program in 2022, which aimed to address root causes of violence through providing resources and community-based strategies. Instead, she has advocated and organized fundraising events for violence prevention programs that work closely with law enforcement and use deterrence strategies.

Claim 3: 

Jurinsky claims she fought to get a federal grant for the SAVE program.

“I helped advocate a federal grant for the SAVE program, the Aurora SAVE program.” 

— Time Stamp: 27:13

Assessment: True

The Aurora SAVE (Standing Against Violence Every Day) program is a community-based initiative focused on reducing youth violence through non-police strategies. The Aurora City Council formally partnered with the SAVE program as part of the unanimously approved Youth Violence Prevention Strategic Plan in May 2022. Because the plan included SAVE as a partner and was backed by the full council, it is accurate to say the program received city support and funding, though individual levels of involvement may vary.

Claim 4: 

Jurinsky consistently claims that she has financially supported and advocated for increased funding for particular organizations.

“I’m a very vocal advocate for both of these organizations, and I’m extremely involved, both financially and personally.” 

— Time Stamp: 29:35

Assessment: Unclear

Jurinsky’s campaign finance records and public disclosures do not show financial support for any of the organizations in question, aside from The Road Called STRATE. However, campaign filings do not include donations made in a private capacity. Furthermore, any behind-the-scenes advocacy would not necessarily be documented, so it’s difficult to confirm or disprove with certainty.

Claim 5: 

Homeless people are a major cause of fires in Aurora.

“Because when it’s not activated, the homeless are taking up much of the area and causing problems. There’s a fire station nearby. They’ve started fires,” 

— Time Stamp: 30:46

Assessment: Misleading

There was one documented case in 2023 where a homeless encampment accidentally started a fire. While this shows such incidents aren’t impossible, there are no public records indicating a broader pattern of fires caused by unhoused individuals in Aurora. Jurinsky frames it as a frequent issue, but the data doesn’t support that. Given the lack of evidence and political incentive to justify homeless sweeps, the claim is misleading due to exaggeration and misrepresentation.

Police Brutality

When the two began speaking about Kilyn Lewis’ death – which Jurinsky recently referred to as “justified murder” – a broader conversation about police brutality in Aurora and due process opened up. The Councilwoman went on to connect his death and the judicial process of his case to Uber driver Michael Hancock, Elijah McClain, and Jor’Dell Richardson.

Elijah McClain

23-year-old Elijah McClain was forcibly restrained by the Aurora police and nonconsensually injected with Ketamine by paramedics in August 2019. Three days after the encounter, McClain passed away in the hospital. 

Claim 1: 

The officers in Elijah McClain’s case were indicted after the case went to a grand jury as an example of how the court will follow due process if necessary. 

“The officers that were indicted in Elijah McClain went to a grand jury, and that’s how those officers were indicted.”

— Time Stamp: 51:43

Assessment: True

Officer Randy Roedema and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec were convicted by a Colorado grand jury. However, the District Attorney’s original investigation concluded that the evidence did not warrant criminal charges. It was not until Governor Polis called for another investigation in June 2020 that the perpetrators were indicted.

Fard pointed out that some are able to go through the legal system, but Elijah McClain, Kilyn Lewis, and Jor’Dell Richardson were never given the opportunity to do so.

Kylin Lewis

Kilyn Lewis was shot and killed by Aurora Officer Michael Dieck on May 23, 2024. The department claims that Lewis did not appropriately respond to verbal instruction and moved in a way that indicated he was reaching for an unseen weapon that later turned out to be a cellphone. Lewis was fatally wounded and Dieck was not charged. 

Claim 1: 

Kilyn Lewis had a warrant out for first-degree murder charges. 

“He stopped going to court on a first-degree attempted murder charge, so they put a warrant out for his arrest. That’s why they were looking for him.”

— Time Stamp: 48:41

Assessment: True

Lewis was wanted on an active warrant for a fatal shooting that he was allegedly involved in at the beginning of May 2024. 

Claim 2: 

Kilyn Lewis’ family did not file a lawsuit against the Aurora Police Department.

“But they [Lewis’ family] filed no lawsuit.”

— Time Stamp: 56:51

Assessment: True at Time

Lewis’ family filed a lawsuit against the City of Aurora and Officer Michael Dieck on May 21st, almost two weeks after the interview.

Claim 3: 

Local residents are not able to speak at City Council meetings due to activists.  

“So people who truly live in Aurora, who want to come to talk to us about whatever they don’t they either don’t get to speak, or if there’s enough time for them to speak, they get heckled and they get people are screaming at them…The people of Aurora don’t even get to speak, and it’s mostly people coming from Denver to make these comments.”

— Time Stamp: 57:56

Assessment: Misleading

Public demonstrations surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and unjust police activity have occurred at Aurora City Council meetings. Jurinsky does not provide evidence that most of the demonstrators are from Denver; regardless, the meetings are open to the public, and rules have been implemented to streamline the process and avoid disruptions. 

Policing

Fard and Jurinsky discussed the Aurora Police Department’s new police chief and if that change is contributing to a new way of policing. Jurinsky said that Aurora City Council members have supported victims, and claimed that they will condemn police officers found guilty of violating ethical standards and general policies. 

Claim 1: 

Jurinsky has criticized Nate Meier, an officer who admitted to driving under the influence while on duty. 

  “…the drunk officer Nate Meier, who I have publicly admonished and said he should not be a police officer…” 

— Time Stamp: 01:04:40

Assessment: True

Nate Meier was found intoxicated behind the wheel of a police car in 2019. Meier was promoted to detective three years later, which Jurinsky publicly condemned. 

Claim 2: 

Nate Meier kept his job and Vanessa Wilson was promoted to Police Chief under former Chief Nick Metz, a black man.

  “…and the grooming of Vanessa Wilson to be the next police chief, all three of these things happened under a black police chief. Nick Metz, a black police chief.”

— Time Stamp: 01:04:50

Assessment: Misleading

Jurinsky’s emphasis on Nick Metz’s race is used to suggest that the actions and decisions made during his leadership, including Meier’s continued employment and Wilson’s advancement, somehow disprove the existence of systemic racism within the Aurora Police Department. This rhetorical move misrepresents how systemic racism operates, implying that because a Black individual held a position of authority, racial bias could not have influenced outcomes. 

Venezuelan Community, TdA, and the Gardens at Havana

Attention has recently been brought to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its effect on the Aurora community. Jurinsky has been outspoken about the presence of the gang. Fard touched on some of the claims made by Jurinsky in regards to TdA. 

A large gathering formed at the Gardens on Havana shopping center on July 28, 2024, seemingly in connection with the Venezuelan presidential nelection.

Claim 1: 

Jurinsky did not say that the Venezuelan gangs have taken over the Aurora Police Department.

  “They didn’t overtake the Aurora Police Department. I never said that.”

— Time Stamp: 01:08:50

Assessment: Misleading

Jurinsky did not claim that the gang took over the Aurora Police Department, but did say there is, “…a complete gang takeover in parts of our city,” in an interview with Fox News. She and Mayor Mike Coffman went on to release a joint statement saying, “TdA has not “taken over” the city.”

Claim 2: 

A police car was shot at during the gathering at the Gardens on Havana.

  “They made a public statement. A police officer was shot at. He called out shots fired, that he was taking shots. He called it out over the radio. Nobody came.”

— Time Stamp: 01:10:21

Assessment: Misleading

The Aurora Police Department issued a statement saying that an officer, “believed his vehicle had been struck by a bullet,” in a separate shooting on the same day. There has been no connection between the event and this particular shooting, or that the officer did not receive back-up.

Claim 3: 

There were only two police officers on scene at the Gardens on Havana, where 5,000 Venezuelans were engaging in violent behavior, including looting businesses and shooting off guns. 

 “Two sergeants were out there in control of the arrest patrol officers for 5,000 Venezuelans who gathered in almost under an hour, who looted the Target. A Target employee ended up in the hospital. The McDonald’s workers just fled the building. Guns are being fired off. People are trapped in their cars. And again, this is a Sunday afternoon, so you’ve got people walking out of the Kohl’s. You’ve got people walking out of the Target with their kids or grandkids, and they’re walking into a situation where people are shooting guns off in the air.”

— Time Stamp: 01:10:57

Assessment: Misleading

Police reports estimated that the attendance in the shopping center was between 3,000 and 4,000 people and began around 5 pm. Venezuelans had gathered in the area to await the results of the Venezuelan presidential election, and there is no evidence that it was a gang-related event. 

While there were reports of gunfire during the event, no arrests were made in immediate connection. The department shared a statement on X, writing, “While there are claims that some attendees at the gathering rioted, causing damage to businesses, passing vehicles, and causing harm to passersby in the area, APD has received no such reports to date.”

Claim 4: 

The city had to bring in hazmat teams to clean up the parking lot at the Gardens on Havana following the large gathering. 

  “The next morning, they had to bring in hazmat teams because there was so much human feces, so much urine, and so much vomit all over the parking lot. They had to bring in actual hazmat teams to clean this parking lot up. There were many bullet casings found…”

— Time Stamp: 01:11:41

Assessment: Unfounded

Official reports do not indicate that the gathering’s aftermath required hazmat teams.

Claim 5: 

Heather Morris threatened the officer whose car was shot, leading to his departure from the department. 

  “The police officer who was shot at, he was called the next morning, and he was threatened. His job was threatened. He’s no longer with the department. He left…[he was threatened by] interim police chief Heather Morris.”

— Time Stamp: 01:12:02

Assessment: Unfounded

There is no credibility in the claim that the officer whose car was shot at was threatened by, or lost their job, because of Heather Morris. The perpetrators involved in the shooting were arrested, indicating that the officer was supported by authorities. It is unlikely that his job was put at risk as a direct result of this incident. 

Claim 6: 

Apartment complexes in Aurora were shut down due to Venezuelan gang activity. 

  “Well, two of the buildings are completely shut down. One of the buildings is under court receivership and is in the process of getting fixed up, remodeled.”

— Time Stamp: 01:24:59

Assessment: Misleading

The Edge at Lowry and Aspen Grove Apartments were closed. City officials have not credited the closure to gang activity. Instead, they claim that the complexes were closed due to a variety of code violations, structural issues, and more that had been cited as far back as 2020.

Claim 7: 

ICE has arrested and removed TdA members from Aurora. 

  “ICE has made several arrests of TdA gang members and is getting them off the streets and getting them out of Aurora.” 

— Time Stamp: 01:25:25

Assessment: True

ICE has worked with federal agencies to conduct targeted raids to arrest suspected members of Venezuelan gangs, however, there has been no evidence that the individuals arrested were deported or taken out of Aurora. The number of people arrested in connection to TdA has been inflated, as ICE was targeting over 100 suspects and did not arrest over 100 people.

Jeanette Vizguerra 

Jeanette vizguerra is an immigrant activist facing deportation. She was arrested without incident on March 17 and taken into custody under ICE. 

Claim 1: 

Jeanette Vizguerra has been undocumented since immigrating to the U.S. and has not complied with immigration court dates to obtain residency. 

  “Okay, so my understanding of the situation with her is that she came to the country originally undocumented, and she had several encounters with ICE. She was given different court dates to show up. I don’t know if she came here for asylum, if she had an asylum claim. I’m not exactly sure, but she never showed up. She didn’t do what she was supposed to do. She’s been here a long time. The fact that she didn’t have any kind of residency, that alone blows my mind.”

— Time Stamp: 01:41:50

Assessment: Mostly False

In 2012, Vizguerra was permitted to remain in the United States with the condition that she would comply with ICE check-ins. She applied for a U-Visa in 2016, which was denied in 2019. She has continued the legal processes to appeal the denial. 

Pride + Reservoir

Jurinsky also brought up Aurora Pride and the alleged impact that it has on access to Aurora Reservoir. The area is open year-round to annual pass holders. 

Claim 1: 

The city shuts down the Aurora reservoir for a for profit company to host a pride event that is not during pride month.

 “We’re shutting down the reservoir for free for them to have this event. They’re not even a nonprofit. This is a for-profit organization holding this pride event, not in Pride Month, and shutting it down to all of the people of Aurora.”

— Time Stamp: 01:46:32

Assessment: Mostly False

Aurora Pride is put on in collaboration with the Out Front Foundation, which is a registered nonprofit. Aurora Reservoir was shut down to the general public for the event last August but entry to Pride is generally free. Furthermore, Aurora Pride has been held in August instead of June since 2019. 

Claim 2: 

 “[Pride is] blocking the access from South Shore, from Beacon Point, from people who bought homes in those neighborhoods, who have access to walking trails into the reservoir and bike trails into the reservoir. Those were sealed off.” 

— Time Stamp: 01:47:34

Assessment: Misleading

Pride was open to the public, and there have been no reports of the trails at Aurora Reservoir being completely blocked, sealed off, or not allowing entry. Community members reported that some trails were closed temporarily for the event.