North Dakota might not appear to be a hub for biker gang activity, but the state has witnessed violence and crime related to outlaw motorcycle clubs.
According to Project Safe Neighborhoods, there are at least 30 identified gangs, including Native American, street, prison, motorcycle, and youth gangs within the state, with the majority of activity concentrated in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck.
Sons of Silence
Among the notorious biker gangs in North Dakota is the Sons of Silence, an international outlaw motorcycle club founded in Colorado in 1966. Operating in 12 U.S. states and Germany, with over 250 members, the club is considered a criminal organization by the United States Department of Justice.
Engaging in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, extortion, and murder, the Sons of Silence have a strong presence in North Dakota, particularly in the western part of the state, with chapters in Minot, Dickinson, Williston, and Mandan.
Notorious for violent clashes with rival gangs like the Hells Angels, the Outlaws, and the Mongols, the Sons of Silence faced a nationwide FBI raid in 1999, resulting in 37 arrests and the seizure of drugs, guns, and explosives. In 2007, two members were convicted of murdering a man in Minot over a drug debt.
Native Mob
Another dangerous biker gang in North Dakota is the Native Mob, a Native American gang operating in multiple states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota. Formed in the 1990s to protect Native American communities, the Native Mob became involved in criminal activities such as drug distribution, robbery, assault, and murder.
Having a significant presence in North Dakota, especially on reservations and in cities with large Native American populations like Fargo and Bismarck, the gang is known for violent disputes with other Native American gangs, such as the Native Syndicate and the Native Pride.
In 2013, 25 Native Mob members faced federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, and murder. In 2018, a Native Mob member received a life sentence for killing a rival gang member in Fargo.
Other Biker Gangs
Apart from the Sons of Silence and the Native Mob, there are other biker gangs in North Dakota, such as the Hells Angels, the Pagans, the Outlaws, and the Bandidos. Considered “one-percenter” motorcycle clubs, they operate outside the law, engaging in criminal activities like drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, extortion, and murder.
While these gangs may not have permanent chapters in North Dakota, occasional visits for rallies, events, or territorial disputes have been reported. For instance, in 2016, a Hells Angels member was arrested in Fargo for possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.
In 2017, a Pagans member faced charges in Bismarck for assaulting a police officer. In 2018, an Outlaws member was arrested in Minot for possessing cocaine and a firearm. In 2019, a Bandidos member was arrested in Grand Forks for possessing heroin and a firearm.
Conclusion
Biker gangs pose a serious threat to public safety and order in North Dakota, engaging in various violent and illegal activities.
While state authorities strive to address the issue through raids, arrests, and prosecutions, these gangs remain active and resilient. It is crucial for the public to be aware of their presence and the associated dangers, reporting any suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement.
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