Bikers Take Aim at One of Their Own in ‘United Gangs of America’ S2 Premiere [Exclusive Clip]
The new season of VICE TV’s United Gangs of America gives viewers an inside look into life in some of the country’s most secretive – and most dangerous – gangs.
Season 2 of the docuseries premieres Tuesday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET. The first episode profiles the brutal Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, one of the most feared outlaw biker gangs in the U.S., and their intense and violent rivalry with the infamous Hells Angels.
Respect ‘is very important’ in gang culture, insider says
In this exclusive clip from the United Gangs of America Season 2 premiere, an insider discusses the role honor and respect play for gang members.
“Respect in gang culture is very important,” the man says. “There’s been times I’ve been disrespected, and you have to do something in order to save face.”
That pressure to save face can lead to outbursts of violence. One night, a biker – and former member of the Pagan’s – named Troy Harris was at a bar with his wife, Michelle, the narrator says over grainy security camera footage.
“The door opens. And the Pagan’s were all wearing colors. In walked seven men, in a direct, single file line, right up to Troy Harris,” a woman explains. “Troy extended his hand, as if to shake, and Jason Huff punched him right in the side of the head, then knocked him off his barstool in one fell swoop.”
The violence only escalated from there. Once Troy was on the floor, the Pagan’s swarmed, “stomping and kicking him” as his frantic wife attempted to intervene.
“The Pagan’s absolutely pummeled his brains in,” the woman says.
What triggered the brutal assault on Harris? His mistake was leaving the Pagan’s MC to join a rival club, according to reports.
“[Michelle] found him lying in a pool of vomit and blood and threw her body on top of him, saying ‘Really? Seriously?” To try to get them to leave him alone,” the woman says. “And one of them looked at her and responded, ‘F*** the Sutars Soldiers.’”
Gang members thrive off an ‘adrenaline rush’ of violence
The attack on Harris might not have been as violent as it was if the Pagan’s weren’t traveling in a group, the gang expert explains.
“When we’re thriving off, it’s an absolute adrenaline rush. It’s like a pack of wild dogs,” he recalls.
“Just knowing that your brother is doing it with you, it’s kind of like a father figure saying, ‘Alright, son, it’s OK,’” the man adds.
The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club is far from the only violent gang wreaking havoc in the U.S. Future episodes of the United Gangs of America will feature the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Fresno Bulldogs, Nuestra Familia, Black Mafia Family, Vagos, Aryan Sisters of Texas, Nazi Lowriders, Black Guerilla Family, and Yakuza.
“United Gangs of America isn’t just about gangs – it’s about power, loyalty, fear, and survival,” said VICE TV President Pete Gaffney. “We’re going inside worlds most people never see, and every episode is as gripping as it is eye-opening. This show has connected with our audience in a big way, and season 2 raises the stakes even higher.”
United Gangs of America airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on VICE TV.
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