Mongols Motorcycle Gang Faces Arrests After Violent Daytona Bike Week Shootout

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States - In a dramatic turn of events at the Daytona Bike Week, a notorious shootout involving two rival motorcycle gangs, the Mongols and Warlocks, has led to significant law enforcement action. Reports indicate that 28 members of the Mongols motorcycle gang were arrested in connection with the March 8 incident that unfolded at a RaceTrac gas station in New Smyrna Beach. The arrests were part of „Operation Mongolian Beef,“ a multi-agency operation involving the FBI, the 7th Circuit State Attorney’s Office, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. This operation was not just a result of luck; it followed an intense effort over the past few months to curb gang-related activities in the area.

The press conference announcing these arrests took place on July 2, where law enforcement officials shared the extensive measures taken, including the execution of 14 search warrants. These warrants targeted the Mongols Clubhouse in Edgewater and various residences across multiple counties. Aggravated rioting, a second-degree felony, now hangs over the heads of those arrested, with potential sentences reaching up to 15 years. In addition, three more arrest warrants have been issued, underscoring the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Tensions Rise at Bike Week

The shooting incident erupted after the Mongols arrived at the gas station and saw the Warlocks there—a volatile mix that quickly escalated into violence. While two Warlocks sustained minor injuries, they have chosen not to cooperate with law enforcement. Witnesses provided crucial cellphone video footage that helped investigators build their case, especially given the lack of support from the victims. This incident reflects a broader trend in gang-related violence that has been increasingly concerning during the Bike Week festivities—a time when Daytona Beach attracts about half a million motorcycling enthusiasts who come to enjoy what is known as the „World’s Largest Motorcycle Event.“

According to Golfweek, just days before the shooting, two members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang were arrested at Bike Week for failure to obey deputies. This highlights the tense atmosphere and the viewed need for a strong police presence during the event, as pointed out by John Scaduto, a motorcycle gang expert. He stressed that the ongoing conflicts, especially between gangs like the Mongols and Pagans, require law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and proactive.

Background of Violence

The history of gang-related violence at Bike Week is alarming. The Mongols, along with the Hells Angels, Outlaws, Pagans, and others, have made their presence known in Florida, leading to conflicts and increased arrests for assault, drug crimes, and more during the event. Incidents like the stabbing of an Outlaws gang member in April 2017 and the shooting of a Kingsmen Motorcycle Club member in May 2017 still linger in the community’s memory.

Reports emphasize the role of local police’s commitment to ensuring safety during Bike Week, especially as even more motorcycle clubs look to establish themselves in Florida. The Warlocks involved in the recent brawl are recognized as the „Phoenix“ Warlocks, originally founded in Orlando, while the Mongols have been aggressively expanding their territory.

What does all this mean for the future of events like Bike Week? As law enforcement ramps up its efforts to keep the peace, the local community can only hope for fewer incidents of violence in the future. With law enforcement on high alert and community awareness growing, one can only hope that the beautiful beaches of Daytona become a safer haven for motorcycle enthusiasts and residents alike.

As this story unfolds, the engaging backdrop of Daytona Beach and its rich motorcycle culture continues to attract attention, both positive and negative, setting the stage for further developments in this ongoing saga.