bad biker human trafficking extorting kidnapping thieving meth-peddling slime criminals do in reality exist (they do, in tiny numbers comparatively).
That’s exactly right. Even the ones who do participate in criminal activity, not all members do, and very seldom do they interact with the general public.
I grew up (back fences touched) behind a guy who would become East Coast Chapters President of Hell’s Angels. Never, not once, did I ever have a seconds trouble from him or any of his brothers. As a matter of fact they kind of pseudo adopted me (I was a fat kid), and toughened me up. Taught me how to stand up for my self.
So needless to say I see bikers in a different light than the media idea of them.
I also understand what the 1%er patch means, and I ain’t gonna mess with em either.
Thing is I don’t doubt they were fighting. If you want a fight with a guy wearing colors, he’ll give you the best you ever had. I believe the cops either overreacted and responded with weapon fire, when tear gas would have done, or they were ordered to do permanent damage because they were becoming too big, or too powerful.
The reaction afterward was total CYA.
That would presuppose that the 18 (at least) cops already present had sophisticated insider knowledge to be in the right place at the right time.
Those same sophisticated insiders and law enforcement gang professionals, weren't aware that the vast majority of bikers present were average Joes and Janes? Some of them arrested even having zero bikes, let alone club affiliation or criminal history?
I have as much contempt and regard for law enforcement as anybody. But I don't underestimate LE folks' intelligence, whether its contempt or praise. There was intelligence in this thing, not incompetence, and the only panic I thought I saw was in Swanton's abrupt fade.
” when tear gas would have done”
LOL! You don’t take tear gas to a gun fight!!!!!!!
“Thing is I don’t doubt they were fighting. If you want a fight with a guy wearing colors, he’ll give you the best you ever had. I believe the cops either overreacted and responded with weapon fire, when tear gas would have done, or they were ordered to do permanent damage because they were becoming too big, or too powerful.”
Did you ever undergo “tear gas” training, during your military service?
Do police (or military) usually respond to urban gun shootouts, with tear gas? Is that part of their doctrine?
Maybe the police should have just let them finish each other off, along with some patrons of the nearby restaurants and shops?
You know, we don’t want the police to “over react” when civilians start shooting at each other in shopping malls, do we?
I feel there is a good chance the unarmed ordained minister-biker, was going to step into the situation, and urge a peaceful result, but got caught in the middle of the fire.
That is a sad result, of violence. Crips, Bloods and MS13 shoot innocent kids, in their neighborhoods during their shootouts.
And likewise Bandidos may have shot an innocent biker. But it is the job of police, to stop the gun fight.
Maybe a ballot measure next time for Waco Texas:
“Proposition, should police use force, to stop the next gunfight at Twin Peaks Mall, between rival motorcycle club members,
Yes,
or No”