gangs

Let's Ban 'Gang Members' From Public Property, Say White Guys

Hamilton Nolan · 08/17/11 09:21AM

Hey, why didn't anyone ever think of this before? Instead of just allowing gang members to go places and do things, tell them they can't go places and do things. Places are only for good people! Gang problem= solved!

L.A. Anti-Gang Program Is Paragon of Tragic Absurdity

Hamilton Nolan · 07/21/11 04:20PM

The city of Los Angeles' "Summer Lights" program, which keeps public parks lit up at night in order to discourage gang violence, is having... mixed results. "A 15-year-old girl was shot in the back and a 19-year-old man was shot in the hand [in an apparent gang shooting] as they were leaving a Summer Night Lights event" this morning. Oh. God. It's just too much. It's like some horrible, horrible movie. "A man was shot in the face near a South Los Angeles park after the lights were turned out last week. It provided all-too-real drama for actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena, who were on scene at the time while on a police ride-along to prepare for an upcoming movie."

Quiet Grandmother Facing Eviction for Alleged Gang Activity

Lauri Apple · 06/11/11 11:11AM

After living in the same apartment for 30 years, Jeannetta Holden—a 59-year-old grandma and great-grandma who likes houseplants and cooking—has received an eviction notice from her landlord, who claims she's been selling drugs, shooting guns, and hanging with gangs. Supposedly police reports prove everything.

Gang Members More Well-Behaved Than Ever

Hamilton Nolan · 11/01/10 12:01PM

Gang membership in the U.S. has reportedly increased 25% since 2005. But violent crime in the U.S. has sunk to its lowest levels since 1973. The more gang members, the less crime. Facts are facts. [USAT. Pic via]

Australia's Newest Menace: Juggalos

Max Read · 08/03/10 12:31AM

"A notorious American youth gang... has hit Sydney," writes Australian tabloid The Daily Telegraph. Is it the Bloods? The Crips? The Latin Kings? No, it's the fearsome Midwestern clowns the Juggalos, obsessive fans of face-painted rappers Insane Clown Posse.

Brits Have Their Own Charming Versions of Bloods and Crips

Hamilton Nolan · 04/15/10 12:30PM

After McDonald's and the Black Eyed Peas, America's most successful cultural exports are the Bloods and Crips. Londoners have recognized that our gangs are much stronger brands! But they're doing Blue-on-Red gang war the UK way.

Obama, King of the Haitian Post-Apocalypse

Max Read · 04/08/10 03:01AM

In the aftermath of Haiti's devastating earthquake, Obama has emerged as a leading criminal figure and "menacing underworld force" controlling a "robbery empire," reports The Washington Post. No, no, not President Obama—Haitian Gang Lord Kidnapper Obama.

Pellet Gun-Wielding Flash Mob Descends on Times Square

Jeff Neumann · 04/05/10 05:11AM

Rampaging "gangbangers," apparently inspired by the New York International Auto Show, wreaked havoc on businesses, bystanders, and each other yesterday during "Gang Initiation Day." A newsstand employee summed it up: "There's a lot of crazy people over here." [NYP]

Meth Head Bikers Terrorize California Sheriff’s Department

Jeff Neumann · 03/19/10 04:48AM

The Vagos motorcycle gang is being labeled "terrorists" after setting booby traps in and around a gang task force building in Riverside County. Sheriff's Captain Walter Meyer said "Obviously we have angered somebody." [AP]