The documents in this report make it clear that both the Bandidos and Cossacks (and their support clubs, if their superiors informed them) logically expected and were certainly prepared for armed confrontation.
Yes, in a public place. Yes with innocent civilians there.
Knowing the history of their previous confrontations, yes they did indeed ride to a public restaurant knowing and expecting that a violent confrontation could and most likely would take place. Sorry if that is not consistent with your romantic view of 1%ers who leave civilians out of it and don’t bring their conflicts into the open. Sorry, but that is exactly what happened.
Maybe the stakes were just too high, in the framework of their priorities. Waco is Cossack territory, despite being in Texas which the Bandidos claim as their own. The Confederation Chapter which otherwise meets in Austin, met this time in Waco, challenging the non-member and therefore uninvited Cossack Clubs on their own “turf”. Maybe the Bandidos scheduled this one meeting in Waco for that normally innocent Confederation meeting in order TO challenge the Cossacks on their “turf”. ??
These documents show that both gangs were ready for confrontation, and confrontation they got.
One of those present at Waco had been stabbed in a previous confrontation in 2013.
The videos referenced and the LE witnesses at the scene determined that the Cossacks were checking their weapons before the other Bandidos arrived. That with the previous incidents of Bandidos — Cossacks disputes including hammer attacks and outright murder at the Gators venue earlier in the year, gave the LE enough indication that the Cossacks were not Boy Scouts on the scene.
Servus, of course!
What is the Gator venue you mentioned in this post?
Let's break it down. The report makes it crystal clear: at every point, the Bandidos were the aggressors in this escalating "turf war" that has been going on at least since 2013, since a club of Harley enthusiasts calling themselves the Cossacks decided to wear a patch that says "Texas" on their vests.
The ONLY "document" or evidence that the Cossacks attended an open public meeting "uninvited" -- the only source according to this news story you consider a "document," is the same only one that maintains that the Cossacks are a "criminal street gang," and that is, simply, "according to court documents."
The Bandidos are known bad-ass dudes, up there with the Hell's Angeles. Everyone acknowledges this -- they don't need no steeeking documents. Look at their faces at the link compared to the Cossacks. The Bandidos have been on a short list of criminals for gangs that "law enforcement identify as criminal street gangs" for years, and long been known among Bikers as dudes who are really bad, like Mongols and some other clubs.
They are proud to be identified as outlaw bullies and murderers and robbers, cruel extortionists, and they use fear as a weapon, as this story of "escalating tensions" between Cossacks and Bandidos illustrates.
Looks to me like the Cossacks are doing the job the cops should be doing -- standing up to these thugs and telling them to take a hike.
As per this news story, the only real "evidence" against Cossacks as anything other than men standing up to thugs, frankly, is he-said-she-said "police intelligence" accusing Cossacks of crimes for which they have apparently zero to piddling actual records.
Out of 27 individuals, 12 were Cossacks or Cossack affiliated, and 15 were Bandidos or Bandido-affiliated.
Four of the 12 Cossacks had arrest records, no mention of convictions. Charges included DUI, unlawful carry, marijuana, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Of the 15 Bandidos, 7 had arrest records and many convictions. Charges the same as the Cossacks PLUS theft, theft of vehicle, assault theft of vehicles, "dangerous drugs," manufacture and delivery of controlled substances, possession of narcotic equipment, even assault on a child.
The Cossacks are doing what the cops should be doing: protecting their freedom of association and their freedom to ride where their Harleys when and where they please wearing what they please.
Interesting sidenote -- the Cossack "Rattlecan" who had gone to one of the Cossacks on this list (a chapter president) and told him "to bring as many of their guys to go just in case the things went bad," was shot killed during the "shootout."
How convenient for the LEO version.