Juggalos
The Juggalos, a
loosely-organized hybrid gang, are rapidly expanding into many US
communities. Although recognized as a gang in only four states, many
Juggalos subsets exhibit gang-like behavior and engage in criminal
activity and violence. Law enforcement officials in at least 21 states
have identified criminal Juggalo sub-sets, according to NGIC reporting.e
- NGIC reporting indicates that Juggalo gangs are expanding in New Mexico primarily because they are attracted to the tribal and cultural traditions of the Native Americans residing nearby.
Most crimes
committed by Juggalos are sporadic, disorganized, individualistic, and
often involve simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty
theft, and vandalism. However, open source reporting suggests that a
small number of Juggalos are forming more organized subsets and engaging
in more gang-like criminal activity, such as felony assaults, thefts,
robberies, and drug sales. Social networking websites are a popular
conveyance for Juggalo sub-culture to communicate and expand.
- In January 2011, a suspected Juggalo member shot and wounded a couple in King County, Washington, according to open source reporting.13
Juggalos’
disorganization and lack of structure within their groups, coupled with
their transient nature, makes it difficult to classify them and
identify their members and migration patterns. Many criminal Juggalo
sub-sets are comprised of transient or homeless individuals, according
to law enforcement reporting. Most Juggalo criminal groups are not
motivated to migrate based upon traditional needs of a gang. However,
law enforcement reporting suggests that Juggalo criminal activity has
increased over the past several years and has expanded to several other
states. Transient, criminal Juggalo groups pose a threat to communities
due to the potential for violence, drug use/sales, and their general
destructive and violent nature.
- In January 2010, two suspected Juggalo associates were charged with beating and robbing an elderly homeless man.14
Federal Bureau of Investigation "2011 National Gang Threat Assessment – Emerging Trends
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