Gangs Drive Surging Homicide Rates

“Gang violence is not ‘gun violence.'”

Predictably, reports reveal that an alleged gang member is accused of committing the September 12, 2020 attempted assassination of two Los Angeles County deputies while they sat in a public location in their marked police car. The signs of gang involvement were obvious, as they routinely are in countless criminal offenses every day.

Gangs operate as counter-culture organizations, fueled by open and notorious displays of violence and intimidation, often against innocent victims. Assaults on symbols of order and authority—such as police officers—are commonplace. Just days before the Los Angeles attack, the FBI reported that a national gang confederation entered into a pact to shoot police officers on sight.

Homicide rates in a number of American cities are surging. The Chicago Tribune identified the source and tragic consequences: “Gang-related shootings have remained a persistent problem all year long. Dozens of children 17 and younger have been fatally shot, often in gang crossfire in neighborhoods.” A Los Angeles Police Department official explained: “It’s not just the gang members shooting each other, it’s the innocent victims.”

Department of Justice assessments undeniably confirm that gangs represent an unparalleled threat. In 2011, a federal study estimated that at least 1.4 million gang members and 33,000 gangs criminally operate in the United States. This was an increase of 400,000 gang members from just two years earlier. Subsequent academic research concluded that national youth gang membership may triple government estimates.

Forceful voices steadfastly forecasted rises in crime due to mass de-incarceration and the non-prosecution of gangs. This is echoed by the findings of sociologist Mike K. Carlie: “Criminally active gang members who are free in the community are also free to recruit, threaten and otherwise cajole others to join them in their criminality.”