Video filmed in Dublin falsely linked to Venezuelan gang violence in Colorado

The claim 

Following the reports of violence by Venezuelan gangs in Aurora, Colorado, misleading posts have appeared on social media. One video on X, which has been viewed by 14,500 people, claims to show gang members attacking people in Aurora. 

The video, filmed on the street and at the entrance to an apartment building, shows a group of men using sticks, shovels, or similar items to attack a small group of people who then retreat into the building. The post is captioned: “Aurora Colorado Venezuelan gangs taking over, and Colorado Police saying there is no problem. Colorado residents posting pictures on social media saying SOS Please Help. Hells Angels on their way to clean house."

However, our research confirms that the video in question is unrelated to the recent reports of violence in Aurora, Colorado, as it was actually filmed in Dublin, Ireland.

The context

The footage is at least a year old. It was posted on X in late July 2023, where it was described as filmed in Dublin. Paul Golding, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant political party Britain First, then re-shared the video on August 30. He captioned it: "Sickening scenes of foreign gangs rioting in Dublin. Illegal immigration is destroying Ireland." The video has received 1.7 million views so far. 

First, we analysed the comments under the post predicting the location of the event and examined the street signs visible in the video. We then used Google Street View to confirm that the location where the video was filmed was indeed on the North Circular Road in Dublin.

A street sign shown in the video. (Source: X)

(Source: X and Google Street View)

By observing the surroundings, we can also identify key differences between Dublin and Aurora. The houses in the footage exhibit classic Georgian/Victorian architecture, which is common in Dublin neighborhoods. This traditional architectural style, combined with narrow streets and a pedestrian-friendly layout, sharply contrasts with Aurora's modern, car-centric suburban design, characterized by wider roads and contemporary homes.

(The architecture shown in the video is also characteristic of several districts of Dublin. Source: X/Screenshot by Logically Facts)

Additionally, the presence of European-style car license plates, which are longer and rectangular compared to the shorter U.S. plates, further supports the argument that the video was filmed in Dublin, not Aurora.

The longer number plates typical of EU countries are shown in the photo. (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

There is no evidence to indicate any connection between the event in Ireland and the alleged Venezuelan gangs operating in Aurora, Colorado. The two incidents appear to be unrelated, 

Online discussion about the alleged rise in violence by Venezuelan gang members in Aurora intensified after a video, posted on August 28, showed armed individuals speaking Spanish and forcibly entering an apartment complex. The video, which gained over six million views on X, drew further attention when it was highlighted by Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky and Mayor Mike Coffman, who utilized Facebook to advocate for an emergency court order to evacuate the building. Conservative media outlets picked up the story, and former President Donald Trump used it as a focal point for anti-immigrant rhetoric. However, Aurora police have not confirmed any link between the video or the attack and Venezuelan gangs. 

The verdict

Our research shows that the video, incorrectly claimed by a user on X to show Venezuelan gang violence in Colorado, was actually filmed in Dublin, Ireland. Therefore, we have marked this claim is false.