Death On Two Wheels:  Everyone Wants A Piece Of The Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

Death On Two Wheels: Everyone Wants A Piece Of The Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

Author: Robert Riggs July 18, 2023 Duration: 30:23
The Bandido’s Intimidating Presence On U.S. Highways

A violent war for control of illicit drugs and weapons leaves a deadly trail of bullets and blood across highways in the U.S. Southwest.

It started eight years ago in a hail of gunfire between the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang and the Cossacks at the Twin Peaks Restaurant in Waco, Texas.

The violence escalated starting in May of 2023, leaving dead bodies on an interstate highway in Texas, at a biker bar in Oklahoma City, and at a once peaceful bike rally in New Mexico.

There’s no sign of tempers and the rivalry cooling off anytime soon.

The Bandidos stand to lose a lot and are fighting to hold on to their turf.

They are not Hollywood’s romanticized version of the Sons of Anarchy.

The Justice Department considers the Bandidos one of the eight most dangerous motorcycle gangs in the U.S.

A gang threat assessment by the Texas Department of Public Safety ranked the Bandidos as a “Tier 2” gang — or the second-most dangerous classification — alongside the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas.

It appears that local law enforcement is not prepared to intervene and, in some quarters, may even fear the Bandidos.

According to the Bandidos legend, a 36-year-old Vietnam War veteran and Houston dockworker started the club in the 1960s. 

It adopted the red and gold colors of the U.S. Marine Corps.

They proudly wear the “patch” on their jackets and other apparel.

Mess with one Bandido and you are messing with all of them.

The Bandidos maintain an international presence from Australia to Russia.

Detective Steve Cook, an expert on outlaw motorcycle gangs, joins me in this episode of the True Crime Reporter® Podcast titled Death On Two Wheels: Everyone Wants A Piece Of The Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

It’s a war that has spilled into threatening innocent bystanders.


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Robert Riggs has spent decades as an investigative reporter, and in True Crime Reporter, he applies that relentless, document-driven approach to the stories that haunt us. This isn't just a retelling of grim headlines; it's a meticulous walk through active case files, historical injustices, and the societal undercurrents that allow crime to flourish. Each episode feels like you're sitting across from Riggs as he lays out his notes, connecting dots between evidence, witness accounts, and the often-overlooked details that change a narrative. You'll hear the tension in the pursuit of truth, the weight of unresolved questions, and the quiet impact on communities and families left in the wake of violence. The podcast moves beyond the sensational to examine the cultural and systemic factors at play, offering a sober, deeply researched perspective. Listen for long-form narratives that build like a detective's board, where every piece of audio, every interview, and every document serves a purpose. It’s for those who want to understand the 'why' and the 'how' as much as the 'who,' presented with the clarity and authority of a seasoned journalist who knows the terrain. This is a journey into real stories, handled with the care they demand, and it naturally becomes an essential listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human behavior, justice, and the news.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

True Crime Reporter
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