Law Enforcement Gives True Motorcyclist Depiction

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The Hells Angels, Mongols, Bandidos, Outlaws and Sons of Silence are called out as a national domestic threat.

Officials do not want you to confuse a gang member with just the everyday motorcycle enthusiast.

Both motorcyclists and law enforcement believe those involved in the recent Waco, Texas shooting is not a true depiction of what a motorcyclist is.

Matt Richardson is a motorcycle enthusiast who makes his passion a career by selling them.

He believes the majority of motorcyclists are not like the ones we saw in Waco.

Matt Richardson says, “Some motorcycle gangs absolutely do affiliate as a 1% percent club saying that they live up and beyond the law.”

Law enforcement says these gang members earned their way to the top.

Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney says, “Many of them have criminal records and criminal backgrounds. They’re allowed into these clubs for a reason. They don’t get into these clubs because they’re choir boys. They’ve earned their way in through their activity.”

Sheriff Laney wants the public to know the everyday motorcyclist is not to be feared.

Laney says, “Waco has really highlighted kind of the biker culture and I want to be careful when we say ‘biker’ because 99% of bikers are just avid motorcycle enthusiasts that love to ride and hang out with their friends, spend time together and hit the open road.”

Officials formed a street crime task force this year in an effort to help protect our community from having an event like the one in Waco.

Laney says, “The protectors of this community and society’s warriors are watching carefully what’s happening. You’re darn right we’re going to get involved if we see any of that activity. We’re going to be all over it.”

Motorcyclists believe these gangs are here to stay.

The UMotor Inc Sales Associate says, “I think there is always going to be that struggle against crime and law enforcement. I don’t think anyone is under the illusion that one will ever win out ultimately but I definitely think that authorities can take the right steps to prevent some of those actions from the Fargo-Moorhead area.” 

Sheriff Laney recommends educating yourself and learning more about motorcycle gang activity to better understand the past weekend’s events.