After an initial press briefing that all the deceased were killed inside the bar/grill, the police have now expanded their statements to include some of the bikers shot by responding police. – Full Backstory –
WACO, Texas — At least some of the bikers involved in a gang fight Sunday that left nine people dead and 18 injured were shot by police, authorities said.
The violence erupted shortly after noon at a busy Waco shopping center along Interstate 35 that draws a large lunchtime crowd. Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said eight people died at the scene of the shooting at Twin Peaks restaurant and another person died at a hospital.
Preliminary findings indicate a dispute broke out in a bathroom and then spilled into the restaurant where it escalated to include knives and firearms, he said. There were 150 to 200 gang members inside the restaurant at the time. (more…)
We dress up our nachos with an order of pulled pork. Be careful not to be blown away by deliciousness. http://t.co/DYI3Dwi72f
— TwinPeaksRestaurant (@TwinPeaksLodge) May 16, 2015
The police were on scene in anticipation of several biker gangs converging on a bar. As anticipated a fight broke out, escalated, and ended in a full shootout between rival gangs with police returning fire amid the chaos. Raw aftermath video shows police standing between two rival gangs and trying to investigate the shootings.
Update 10:00pm CBS: The brawl began in the bathroom with most likely a push, shove, or somebody looking at somebody wrong. That quickly escalated into a fistfight, which turned into a knife fight, which immediately turned into a gun fight. Waco police tell CBS the fight poured from the bathroom into the parking lot. Officers moved in to contain the brouhaha. Bikers fired at officers; officers returned fire. (link) Update 7:00pm: Second Police Presser
Confirmed 9 dead (one died in hospital). Confirmed additional 18 wounded.
3 more arrests. Charged: “engaging in organized crime”
Update 6:00pm (EST): Police Presser
Police were anticipating violence.
Local Police had stationed SWAT unit around building prior to gunfire.
All shots fired were inside building.
All victims were shot inside building. Bodies in parking lot were dragged there by people from inside the building.
SWAT Unit handled the building as an “active shooter scene”.
Surrounding “outdoor area” still not considered safe for a 15 mile perimeter.
Numerous gang members still inbound to area.
Local, county, state and federal law enforcement also inbound.
Inside building is a scene of extreme bloodbath of carnage, bodies and horrible violence.
Local Report – WACO: (May 17, 2015) Three rival motorcycle gangs turned a local restaurant into a shooting gallery Sunday afternoon and when the gunfire was over, nine people were dead and several were injured. (more…)
