Gang warfare: Army confirms 9 veterans arrested as members of Georgia motorcycle club
Alexandra Koch, Augusta Chronicle Augusta, Georgia July 5, 2023
The U.S. Army recently confirmed that almost a dozen U.S. military veterans were arrested for committing crimes while part of a violent Georgia motorcycle gang connected to a recent mass shooting in Augusta.
Sixteen members of the Outcast Motorcycle Club this month were indicted in Bryan County, near Savannah, on criminal charges to include domestic terrorism, assault and armed robbery. The U.S. Army Human Resources Command confirmed that nine of those indicted are former military.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives public information officer Nathan Banks said historically, many members of outlaw motorcycle gangs have former military affiliations.
While many may be wondering why decorated servicemen ever even get involved in a violent biker gang, Jose Ramirez, president of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association, said the groups are selective when picking new members and purposely seek out former military members because of ideology and loyalty.
Ramirez said one of the appeals to prospective members is the structure of the group. The Outcast Motorcycle Gang has a hierarchical structure and uses ranks, similar to the military.
There is also a brotherhood feel inside of the groups, which Ramirez said can be appealing to those who feel lost after serving overseas.
“A lot of motorcycle gangs will recruit individuals that have served in the military because they have engaged in war or conflict overseas,” he said. “They don’t know how to come back into society and relate to the norms, but what they can relate to is the structure and brotherhood that a motorcycle gang gives. They come back and commit domestic terroristic acts within their own country that they once vowed to protect.”
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