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Showing posts with label Iron Order. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iron Order. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Swap Meet back on after murder but Mongols MC and Iron Order banned

Denver, CO  (December 26, 2017) BTN— Two years after a member of the Mongols MC was murdered at a swap meet, the event is being allowed to return to the National Western Stock Show complex.

One person was killed and several others wounded  in a confrontation between a member of the Mongols MC and the Iron Order in February 2016. Derrick Duran of the Iron Order, was not charged after he claimed he fired in self defense at a member of  the Mongols MC.

Iron Order walking upstairs with gun in hand

“One Mongol punched me four times. I said stop it ‘Stop it leave me alone.’ Boom. I discharged a weapon,” he said in an interview with police from that day. A Mongol was carried downstairs and Duran said he went to police. “I said, ‘I shot back in self defense here’s my weapons,'” he said.

The event was banned the following year.

Now its website announces it is back — but under certain conditions from the City of Denver and the Stock Show. Biker Trash Network

The Mongols MC and the Iron Order are banned, and no knives, guns, drugs or outside alcohol will be allowed.

Confederation of Clubs’ attorney, Wade Eldridge, said their members, which include the Mongols, would not attend due to city demands.

“The Confederation of Clubs would sign a document telling the city we would pay them if there was anything bad that happened. if someone got shot, beat up or perhaps if anyone slipped on a banana peel.”

So the Confederation is offering a different event the same day at Harley Davidson in Parker to benefit veterans.

The Colorado Confederation of Clubs event will support the Vets for Vets of Colorado   

At the Stock show event January 27-28th there will be metal detectors and extra security to prevent a return of violence. The Biker Trash Network posted both event links after the video below.


EVENT LINKS:

NEWS SOURCE:


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Bandido MC Leaders headed to Prison

Three leaders in the Bandidos motorcycle club headed to prison

DENVER, CO ( November 22, 2016) —Three leaders of the Bandidos motorcycle club face prison time after pleading guilty to selling methamphetamine and loaded firearms to other states, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday.

Philip Duran, 42, aka “Bandido Fee”; Michael Mensen, 46, aka “Bandido Tick”; and Lorenzo Sojo, 41, pleaded guilty to violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act — Pattern of Racketeering and felony drug charges, the attorney general’s office said in a news release.

Sojo, president of the Bandidos Denver Westside Chapter, was sentenced to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Mensen, a Bandidos national sergeant at arms, was sentenced to 24 years in prison, according to the news release.

From left, Philip Duran, Michael Mensen and Lorenzo Sojo
Provided by Colorado Attorney General

Duran, who also served as a national sergeant at arms, cut his ankle bracelet and fled just before his sentencing hearing. He is considered armed and dangerous, the attorney general said.

A warrant has been issued for Duran’s arrest, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

It’s unclear exactly how Duran managed to escape custody at the courthouse. National Sergeant at Arms is among the highest rankings one can receive in a motorcycle club. Those in that position are often tasked with keeping members in line during meetings and activities, but also keeping their members safe from outside threats and law enforcement.

An investigation into the Bandidos criminal activity began in September 2014 when the Attorney General’s Office and the Metro Gang Task Force began surveillance of high-ranking members suspected of large-scale drug distribution. Investigators used a wire tap as part of the surveillance.

Colorado Bandidos Motorcycle Club Members

The three Bandidos conspired to distribute narcotics and collect the proceeds from mid-level drug dealers, the news release said. They also imported several pounds of methamphetamine from California and attempted to send loaded firearms to Las Vegas through various shipping services, the attorney general said.

They used banks and other money transfer services to launder their drug proceeds.


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Iron Order dis-invited to Four Corners Motorcycle Rally

Iron Order dis-invited to Four Corners Motorcycle Rally

It appears that the Iron Order's unwelcome mat at motorcycle events is picking up momentum. The latest event for them is the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. Started in 1993 it has grown to an anticipated 38,000 attendees for this September with many coming from Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix and North Texas.

But due to recent violence at several Motorcycle Events involving the Iron Order, it now appears that they have decided not to attend this years event even though they were active with several fundraising events and are listed as "Friends of the Rally" on their website. And so it goes.

Promoter asks Iron Order to stay away from Colorado biker events

 Iron Order members rounded up for safety following shooting

Denver, Colorado - 2/23/2015

The organizer of events that draws motorcyclists to southern Colorado have asked a cop motorcycle club to stay away after they were involved in a fatal brawl in Denver.

Jim Wear, president of Pro Promotions Inc., said he asked the Iron Order to accept a voluntary ban to the company's motorcycle events in Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs as a safety precaution.

The club has agreed to do so, said John Whitfield, a lawyer for the Iron Order. "We are trying to be reasonable. We have got a right to go, but the reasonable and safe thing to do right now is agree not to go," he said.

Members of the Iron Order were involved in a deadly brawl at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo in Denver Jan. 30 that ended with a member of the Mongols MC shot to death, and seven other men shot or stabbed.

Denver police say a Colorado Department of Corrections officer who is a member of the Iron Order fired a shot during the fight.

The Mongols MC and Iron Order blame each other for starting the brawl.

So far no one has been charged in connection with the fatal fight.


Saturday, February 6, 2016

Colorado Military officials consider banning Iron Order

 Photo: Staff Sgt. Gregory Brook/Air Force
William Dulaney, a professor at the Air Force Command and Staff College, poses on his Harley in front of an HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant static display at Maxwell Air Force Base.

 Colorado - February 5, 2016
 
Army officials in Colorado say they're considering placing the Iron Order — one of the fastest-growing motorcycle clubs in the country, and particularly popular among military and law enforcement personnel — on an off-limits list of extremist groups and criminal gangs in the wake of a deadly biker brawl in Denver.

“After what happened this weekend, it is definitely under review,” said Lt. Col. Jason Brown, a spokesman for Fort Carson’s 4th Infantry Division.

One man was killed and several others critically injured when dozens of bikers from the Iron Order and Mongol motorcycle clubs collided in a gun and knife fight at a Saturday swap meet in downtown Denver last Saturday.

About half of the Iron Order bikers involved in the brawl were military veterans from the Colorado area, according to a top leader in the club.

The Mongols are among about seven dominant “Outlaw” motorcycle clubs, also known as “1-Percenters” in the biker world and recognizable by the three-piece patches they wear. Self-described as the “baddest 1%er motorcycle club known worldwide” — the Mongols have long had a reputation as one of the most violent gangs in the country and are considered off limits to military personnel by most commands.

The Iron Order is a relative newcomer, started in 2004 by a former Secret Service agent, but growing rapidly. One expert told Military Times the law enforcement-heavy Iron Order has a reputation for starting a fight then being the first to call police. The club's attorney, however, says members of the charitable organization don't want any trouble because they have important careers on the line.

Both the attorney and a report by federal investigators say violence often stems from the Iron Order's choice to wear a certain style of patch.

“The Iron Order is one of the fastest growing motorcycle clubs in the United States,” according to a 2014 Justice Department report. “Members wear a traditional three-piece patch with a State bottom rocker. The fact that they wear the State bottom rocker has infuriated the [Hells Angels Motorcycle Club], Outlaws, Iron Horsemen, Pagans and Bandidos. More importantly, many of their members are police and corrections officers, active-duty military and/or government employees and contractors.”

‘Hold off’


Fort Carson officials say the Iron Order is not on the post’s list of off-limits groups but could be soon as part of the command’s regular assessments with local law enforcement leaders.

“I can guarantee it will be part of that conversation,” Brown said.


Thursday, February 4, 2016

Mongols MC Killer On Paid Leave

 People exit the Denver Motorcycle Expo after shooting

The club that fought the Iron Order during a Motorcycle show in Denver say their members acted in self-defense during the brawl that left 1 person dead and 7 others shot, stabbed and/or beaten.

A member of the Mongols MC was killed when he tried to disarm an Iron Order puke who was pointing a gun at a crowd, Las Vegas attorney Stephen Stubbs said Thursday in the latest salvo in the clubs' ongoing dispute over who sparked the fight.

Victor Mendoza, 46, charged toward the gunman and was shot, Stubbs said during what he described as the Mongols' first-ever press conference, held at a VFW hall. Two Mongols who refused to speak or give their names flanked him.

Stubbs had no comment about the 7 others hurt during the Saturday brawl at the Colorado Motorcycle Exposition, where other MC’s from around the country gathered.

Iron Order's lawyer, John C. Whitfield, said a Colorado Department of Corrections officer who belongs to his club opened fire during the brawl in self-defense after its members were jumped by a group of Mongols. Stubbs' account makes absolutely no sense, he said.

Iron Order's members are composed of mostly of law enforcement officers, prison guards and military personnel that get a kick playing weekend biker then go back to their regular jobs during the week.

As of yet no charges have been filed and the Denver cops would not comment on either side's story of the fight, saying that detectives were still interviewing people involved. They have said more than 1 person opened fire, and they were analyzing more than 1 gun to determine who fired the fatal shot.

"Running to the top of the stairs, pointing a gun at a crowd below, and shooting an unarmed man that bravely tries to disarm you cannot be self-defense," Stubbs said.

He also added, "If you are an unarmed man that is charging some intoxicated lunatic at the top of the stairs that is waving a gun at a crowd of people, that is definitely self-defense."

Corrections officer and Iron Order member Derrick Duran was put on paid leave while authorities investigate his story. He did not immediately return calls seeking comment Thursday.

Stubbs called Mendoza a dedicated family man that sacrificed his life trying to save others.

Others involved in the brawl have not been identified.

Monday, February 1, 2016

National Council of Clubs Responds

Suspect Holding Gun


Reprint from the National Council Of Clubs Website | by David "Double D" Devereau

Feb, 1st 2016 - National Council of Clubs Responds to Denver Motorcycle Expo Shooting

Press Release From The National Council Of Clubs

RE: Colorado Motorcycle Expo Shooting

Colorado - The National Council of Clubs, an organization dedicated to protecting the political and legal interests of hundreds of motorcycle clubs and thousands of their members nationwide, is issuing the following statement related to Saturday’s shooting at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo in Denver:

Various media sources have reported that a confrontation between two motorcycle clubs, the Mongols and the Iron Order, resulted in at least one confirmed dead and at least 7 injured during the Colorado Motorcycle Expo Saturday, January 30th. The National Council of Clubs is deeply disturbed by such unnecessary acts of violence at any event, particularly one as well supported by the community over the years as the Colorado Motorcycle Expo, the largest indoor motorcycle swap-meet in the country.

 Council of Clubs attorney Wade Eldridge was present at the expo and in fact witnessed much of the confrontation. Mr. Eldridge says that he was present when he saw a crowd of Mongols and Iron Order, approximately a total of 20-30 individuals, gather inside the expo. According to Eldridge there was yelling and a verbal argument ensuing.

  Shooting Suspect Holding Gun

Mr. Eldridge then heard a gunshot. He saw an Iron Order member holding a handgun in his right hand with his right arm extended. According to Eldridge, he heard people shouting, “Put your gun away”. The Iron Order member then dropped his arm and pointed his weapon at the ground, says Eldridge. Eldridge says he reported what he saw to authorities on the scene. Eldridge then called 911 and reported what he saw.

Eldridge’s account is validated by this photo taken by a Council of Clubs participant that happened to be present when the conflict began. This photo was taken following the first shot fired, the source says. The photo shows a member of the Iron Order moving away from the crowd holding a gun in his right hand.

The gun is pointed forward. Eldridge has confirmed that the man in this photo is the same man he saw with a gun extended in his right hand. Eldridge says this man “is the same guy I saw.” This is also the same man identified by eyewitnesses, as reported by many media sources, as the member of the Iron Order that was questioned by police following the shooting.

 Shooting Suspect On Cell Phone

In another photo provided by the same Council of Clubs participant, this same man, following the shooting, is pictured with another Iron Order member (who appears to be posing) and two law enforcement officers. He is not in handcuffs and is in fact being allowed to use a cell phone even though he is suspected of firing shots.

Stephen Stubbs, an attorney for the Mongols Motorcycle Club, stated that members of the Iron Order is predominately made up of police officers and taunted members of the Mongols into an argument that escalated into violence that led to the fatal shooting of a Mongols member.

John C. Whitfield, a lawyer and Iron Order member, confirmed to the Denver Post that Iron Order members include L.E.O.’s. Relating to this specific shooting, Whitfield told the Denver AP, “a Colorado Department of Corrections officer fired his gun during a weekend brawl at a Denver motorcycle show that left one dead and seven others injured.”

The Iron Order Motorcycle Club has been involved in a laundry list of confrontations around the country with other motorcycle clubs that have resulted in violence or death. For example, on June 26, 2014 Florida State Attorney Angela Corey refused to charge Iron Order prospect Kristopher Stone after he shot and killed Black Pistons patch holder Zachariah Tipton in Jacksonville Beach. Corey outrageously ruled the killing was justifiable homicide even though the Iron Order member shot the unarmed Black Pistons motorcycle club member in the face while only a few feet apart.

Iron Order members have not been held accountable for any of the violence or killings that they have been involved in. So far, the same holds true for the incident in Colorado. Police have told the Denver AP that “they have made no arrests and a Department of Corrections spokeswoman did not immediately return calls for comment.”

The Iron Order, which is an off-duty law enforcement officer based motorcycle club, is identified by the ATF to be an “Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.” (See, The ATF Report on OMG’s and the Military, 2014)

The Council of Clubs has obtained and reviewed intelligence that confirms that the Iron Order repeatedly diminishes the relationship between law enforcement and the community they are intended to serve and protect.

According to a 1% club member that was present and has attended the expo for the past 15 years, “There has never been a confrontation, so much as a fistfight. And many 1% organizations have attended including the Hells Angels, Sons of Silence, Bandidos, Outlaws, Mongols, and many others. There has never been a problem until a law enforcement club showed up. Never. It would be against an unwritten code.”

The Council of Clubs believes that law enforcement clubs involved in confrontations with motorcycle clubs are completely inconsistent with the intended mission of law enforcement and should not be condoned or protected by professional law enforcement and other government officials from culpability.

According to another member of a 1% motorcycle club present at the expo, “local and federal authorities that responded to the incident acted in a professional and respectful manor. Authorities contained the crime scene and did not harass or detain members of other motorcycle clubs that were present. Major 1% clubs evacuated the area to allow law enforcement to do their job. Although the expo was later canceled, initially the owner of the venue and law enforcement authorities invited uninvolved clubs back to the expo.”

The National Council of Clubs has a heightened concern with the general demeanor of some law enforcement member motorcycle clubs. The repeated public displays of violence by members of the Iron Order, combined with the conflict they infuse within society, as compared to the intended mission of law enforcement, should be a concern to all citizens, professional law enforcement and government officials everywhere.

The National Council of Clubs will continue to access information related to this incident and will stand by, ready for further comment.

  NEWS SOURCE: National Council Of Clubs


Contact Information:
All inquiries should be emailed to media@councilofclubs.org and addressed to:

David Devereaux- Spokesperson  -OR-

Jerry Theophilopoulos- Legal Counsel






Sunday, January 31, 2016

Mongols MC "Iron Order started it"

 Update on Deadly Encounter between Mongols MC and the Iron Order

Mongols MC says "Iron Order started it"

Members of two rival motorcycle clubs involved in a shootout at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo Saturday in which one person was killed and seven others were injured are pointing the fingers of blame at each other.

Stephen Stubbs, an attorney for the Mongols Motorcycle Club, says members of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club — which is predominately made up of police officers — taunted Mongols into an argument and then escalated to violence that led to the fatal shooting of a Mongols member.

"The Iron Order are cowards," Stubbs said Sunday. "The Iron Order started an argument. An Iron Order member threw the first punch. And when they were handily losing the fight they pulled out a gun and shot a Mongol. The only person who died here was shot by a member of the cop club."

But a lawyer for the Iron Order Motorcycle Club said Sunday the shootout that left one person dead and seven hospitalized may have started when three members were jumped by members of one or more biker clubs.

John C. Whitfield, the lawyer who is also a club member, confirmed that Iron Order members include police officers, military members, and other law abiding citizens.

Vince Bohm, who identified himself as a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, said that an off-duty police officer fatally shot a Mongol.Whitfield said a Colorado Department of Corrections officer did fire a shot during the incident, but he didn't know if that bullet hit any Mongols.

Stubbs, Bohm and Whitfield did not personally witness Saturday's brawl at the 38th annual motorcycle expo, but relayed what they heard from numerous members of the two clubs.

A large number of the Mongols, a biker club whose website advises that they are "the baddest motorcycle club known worldwide," were at the expo. Members of other outlaw motorcycle clubss including the Bandidos, Hells Angels and Sons of Silence also were there.

Stubbs claims that the Iron Order likewise identifies itself as an outlaw motorcycle club, because it uses three patches to identify different ranks of members.

"They are known for picking fights and being jerks," he said. "It was a fair fight until the Iron Order member pulled out a gun. For them to come out and play the victim when they picked the fight is outrageous. They are a bunch of cops who say the rules of society don't apply to them."

Members of the Mongols pulled out guns only to protect themselves when they were fired upon, he said. He said the Iron Order member was handcuffed and taken to the police station to be questioned.

"Even Mongols have a right to defend themselves," Stubbs said.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

1 Dead & Multiple injured at Denver Motorcycle Expo

 Denver Police escorted a man in handcuffs away from the National Western Stock Show. 


WHAT WE KNOW....
  •  One person dead after shooting and stabbing incident at the National Western Complex
  •  Denver Police Chief Robert White said at an evening news conference that four people were shot and one person was stabbed 
  • Witnesses said the shooting was between two rival biker clubs, the Mongols and the Iron Order
  • Nine people have been taken to the hospital, medical officials said 
  • Emergency room has been placed on lock down in response to shooting 
  • Dr. Kevin McVaney of Denver Health Medical Center said six people were admitted to the hospital -three in critical condition and three are stable
  •  Denver Police Chief Robert White said that no arrests have been made, but a person of interest in connection with the incident is being questioned. He also would not name the motorcycle clubs involved

DENVER, CO - January 30 - At least one person was killed after a shooting/stabbing melee Saturday afternoon at the National Western complex. Denver Health tweeted shortly before 2 p.m. that nine people had been transported to area hospitals. The fight broke out between the Iron Order and the Mongols MC.

At a 3:30 p.m. news briefing, the hospital said 7 patients were brought in after the shooting. One died, three are critical and three are stable.

Bob Cook witnessed the shooting. His booth for Quarterchaps, a leather goods company was located across from where the shooting happened. He heard two shots fired and saw people dive under tables. He didn't hear any arguments before the shooting and doesn't know what may have prompted it.

He said there were puddles of blood on the floor, but minutes later, the scene returned to normal. "Everyone is so desensitized," he said as he pointed to dried blood on the floor that people were walking over.


A man gestures towards the media gathered outside of the National Western Stock Show Complex 

Britney Shaw was working at a jewelry stand when she saw a group of about 50 men brawling on the stairs, which are now covered in blood and cordoned off.

Denver Health Medical Center put its campus on a precautionary lockdown to ensure patient and visitor safety. There have been no threats made to the hospital. One officer on duty there has a semi-automatic rifle slung over his shoulder. ER doctor Kevin McVaney said the hospital was able to handle the emergency. "We are very prepared for this number of trauma patients." All seven arrived via ambulance and no other injured parties are expected.

Denver Health encouraged people who don't have a specific need to come to the hospital to avoid the campus.

The 38th Annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo is being held this weekend at National Western complex.

Raquel Lopez, Denver police spokeswoman, said the disturbance happened at 12:48 p.m. Multiple shots were fired and at least one person was stabbed. No arrests have been made.

Several men were escorted to an awaiting RTD bus at the National Western Stock Show Complex.

One witness, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, said the feud was started by rival biker clubs. Police filled the parking lot. People who left the show and crossed the police tape are not being allowed back into the building.