DENVER -- Denver police began stepping up enforcement in the Lower Downtown area last weekend and now 7NEWS has learned more about why.

Denver police have a videotape showing gang members randomly beating up innocent bystanders. The tape, which is expected to be released Friday, show gang members walking down a street, one person picking out a partygoer randomly, then the group attacking that person for no reason.

The entire event, believed to be a part of a gang initiation, is captured on videotape by the gang members.

"That was very disturbing to see ... A group of gentlemen broke windows out of a car and they assaulted a person inside the vehicle all while one gentleman was filming the whole thing," said Ian McClure, of Lodo's Bar and Grill.

The events were a recent trend in Lodo until police officers increased their presence on the streets, 7NEWS reported.

There's been so much police presence that McClure said it reminds him of the riots after the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup.

"We are still looking to provide a fun environment for customers and when some walk out of the bar and see 60 uniformed officers in riot gear, it is a little scary," said McClure.

McClure said he understands why the officers are wearing riot gear and he is thankful that they are out there. Because with them there, he said customers can feel safe and the atmosphere can go back to being fun.

However, the issue of whether the videotape will be made public is still up for discussion. Some believe that the video should be released so that the community can be informed. Others, however, believe that the videotape is too violent.