Biker gangs just like the Hells Angels, Mongols, Pagans and Sons of Silence are anticipated to “flex their muscles” in a “display of dominance” as Florida marks Bike Week.
Cops are bracing themselves for a possible battle as leather-clad biker varieties on two wheels descend on Daytona for the annual occasion.
With outlaw bike gangs on the rise within the state, John Scaduto, regional director of the Florida Gang Investigators Association mentioned the opportunity of gang violence at all times shifts up a gear at the moment of 12 months.
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He described them as “like Tony Soprano on two wheels – not-so-Goodfellas with leather and chrome.” Many even have working relationships with cartels, he claimed.
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Speaking to The Daytona Beach News Journal, Scaduto mentioned: “Some of the clubs would like to have a display of dominance in a very public way. It sends a message to the other clubs, and frankly, sends an indirect message to the public as well as law enforcement: We’re here.”
There are greater than 300 outlaw bike gangs (OMGs) within the United States that use biking golf equipment as a part of prison enterprises, together with violence, weapons and drug trafficking, in accordance with the US Department of Justice.
“You have just about every motorcycle club in the world now with a presence here in Florida,” Scaduto mentioned.
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club was the dominant membership in Florida till about seven years in the past, however now they’re being “severely challenged” by different organisations which have seen a speedy rise in numbers lately.
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Scaduto mentioned the primary “tremendous golf equipment” in the United States are the Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws, Mongols, Bandidos, Sons of Silence, Vagos and Iron Horsemen. The association has confirmed chapters of the Outlaws, Mongols, Pagans and Sons of Silence in Florida.
The gangs are supplying the state’s growing population with narcotics and prostitution. They may also run protection rackets.
“Part of the increase frankly, is the proliferation of motorcycle TV shows that you know, kind of glorify the lifestyle,” he said, referring to the likes of Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C.
Motorcycle clubs became prevalent in the United States after World War II with returning soldiers. The same thing is happening now.
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“We’ve simply had a few many years of troopers coming again, on the lookout for the camaraderie, what they understand because the brotherhood,” Scaduto said.
Gangs are interested in the soldiers’ expertise in urban combat, knowledge of explosives and weaponry and recruit them so they can be prepared for opposing gangs.
Women involved with biker gangs often wear vests declaring “Property of…”
A woman who is a property of a club chapter might be shared sexually or shared to be involved in criminal activity.
(Image: Universal Images Group through Getty Images)
Some gang members will consult with themselves as “one-percenters,” in reference to a remark that 99% of motorcyclists are regulation abiding. The remark was supposedly made after a riot at a bike rally in 1947 in Hollister, California.
“The 1% badge which is an indicator that they are in fact outlaws, and they are telling you they’re an outlaw,” Scaduto mentioned.
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