Hells+Angels

[|Hells Angels Video]

Zach Harpley and Jon Shaffer

Name: Hells Angels

Type of Gang: Members of Hells Angels consider themselves a Motorcycle Club and not a gang, but the FBI and other law officials consider them an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Origins/History: Hells Angels started as a motorcycle club for thrill seeking GIs returning from World War II. The original charter was founded on March 17th, 1948 the Fontana/ San Bernardino areo of the United States. Many of the original members moved to Oakland, so many people claim that Oakland is where the mother charter was founded. In the 1950's many more charters opened, but at first they had no relation to the original charter. However, after a few years they all united and regular criteria of admission were laid down. Today the original charter still exists.

Location/ Turf: They have charters located all over the world; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bohemia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Crostia, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Lichtenstain, Luxemburg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Sweden, United States of America, and Whales. Many Hells Angels may also consider the highways their turf.

Characteristics: The club colors are red and white and they wear them in public. On the top of the back of their club vest's are the words Hells Angels, and on the bottom of the vest is the charter's location. In the center of the back of the vest is the clubs copywrighted logo called the Deathhead. also on the logo are the letters MC which stand for motorcycle club. The name Hells Angels is also copywrighted. Most of the Angels ride Harley Davidson Motorcycles. They use force and violence to survive and grow. The crime committing is usually left to new recruits or younger recruits, and the older members reap the benifits. To become a true motorcycle enthusiast, which means your motorcycle is your main means of transportation. On average a member may ride 20,000 miles or more a year in the rain, snow, or sunshine. This varies with each charter, so you should find a member in your area.

Criminal Activities: The have been involved in drug use and drug dealing, prostitution, gun running, petty theft, grand theft, extortion, fraud, rape, felony battery, all kinds of weapon violations, and planning of murders and actually committed murders. One member was even arrested for the attempted bombing of a rival gang. One of their biggest criminal events was in 1969 at a free Rolling Stones concert. The Rolling Stones hired the Hells Angels as security. By the end of the night 4 people were murdered and several were hurt. No charges were brought against the Angels because they were defending themselves, amd doing the job they were hired to do.

Impact on Society: The biggest impact on society is that they instill fear almost everywhere they go.