A gathering of at least five rival motorcycle gangs turned into a deadly brawl in Waco, Texas, over the weekend. Nine bikers died and 18 more were injured after fighting escalated around lunchtime outside Twin Peaks restaurant, and as many as 170 people are being charged with engaging in organized crime.
Perhaps the most amazing stat of all: No officers or civilians were injured. For that, we can thank the good guys with guns. Not only was law enforcement prepared for possible trouble—they knew gangs were present and had pre-positioned officers outside the restaurant—but the second gunfire broke out, police and troopers swarmed the scene. They worked to secure the area and protect citizens from what Waco Police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton called “a true gang fight.”
Their courageous efforts saved many innocent lives on Sunday. Job well done.