2015 Waco shootout
On May 17, 2015, in Waco, Texas, United States, a shootout erupted at a Twin Peaks restaurant where more than 200 persons, including members from motorcycle clubs that included the Bandidos, Cossacks, and allies, had gathered for a meeting about political rights for motorcyclists. Law enforcement, which included 18 Waco Police Department officers and four Texas Highway Patrol troopers, had gathered to monitor the restaurant and meeting from outside, and, according to police, "returned fire after being shot at". Nine bikers were killed, 18 others wounded or injured, and 177 individuals were ultimately arrested and initially detained in connection with the shootout, most for alleged participation in organized crime. According to The New York Times, "the response by prosecutors was widely criticized as brazen overreach". According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, the shootout led to a "four-year prosecutorial fiasco that resulted in zero convictions."
2015 Waco shootout | ||||
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Bikers in Waco, Texas protesting against the mass arrests and high bails | ||||
Date | May 17, 2015 ; c. 12:27 p.m. CDT | |||
Location | Waco, Texas, U.S. | |||
Caused by | Gang wars involving rival motorcycle clubs | |||
Methods | Shootout | |||
Parties | ||||
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Casualties | ||||
Death(s) | 9 | |||
Injuries | 18 | |||
Arrested | 177 |