Georgia struggles with a significant gang problem, with over 35,000 gang members identified so far and an estimated increase to over 50,000 by the end of this year. These gangs are responsible for the majority of violent and property crimes in the state, and some have expanded to other regions of the world. Here are five of the most violent gangs sweeping over Georgia and frightening its citizens.
1. MS-13
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is one of the world’s most known and dangerous street gangs, originating in El Salvador and Los Angeles. The gang operates in Atlanta, where it engages in narcotics trafficking, extortion, murder, and people smuggling.
MS-13 is infamous for its harsh techniques, which include beheading, dismembering, and torturing competitors and victims. The group has also been tied to some high-profile homicides in Georgia, including the death of a 14-year-old girl in Marietta in 2017.
Read more: These Five Most Dangerous Gangs Are Taking Over Illinois
2. Ghost Face Gangsters
Ghost Face Gangsters is a white supremacist prison gang founded in Georgia in the late 1990s. The gang now has over 2,000 members, both inside and outside of jail, and has spread to neighboring states like Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. The gang is involved in drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and murder and is known for its ruthlessness and violence. The group has also been accused of many attacks on law enforcement authorities, including the shooting of two deputies in 2018.
3. Bloods
The Bloods are a well-known African American street gang that formed in Los Angeles during the 1970s. The gang has various divisions and subcategories, some of which are active in Georgia, particularly Atlanta. The group is engaged in a variety of illegal operations, including drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder.
The gang is also noted for its feud with the Crips, another African American street gang, and for using the color red and the five-pointed star as insignia.
Also read: These Five Most Dangerous Gangs Are Taking Over California
4. Crips
The Crips are another well-known African American street gang that formed in Los Angeles in the 1960s. The gang has various divisions and subcategories, some of which are active in Georgia, particularly Atlanta. The group is engaged in a variety of illegal operations, including drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder. The gang is also known for its feud with the Bloods and for using the color blue and the six-pointed star as insignia.
5. Young Slime Life
Young Slime Life, or YSL, is a rap group and street gang founded in Atlanta by famed trap musician Young Thug. The gang has a big fanbase and impact in the music business, having spawned numerous popular musicians like Gunna, Lil Baby, and Lil Keed.
The gang is also involved in violent crimes such as shootings, robberies, and murders, and it has a long history of feuding with Rich Gang, another rap group and gang. Young Thug and Gunna were among 28 persons arrested in May 2022 as part of a major gang indictment charging them with racketeering, drug trafficking, and murder.
Conclusion
In summary, Georgia has a formidable gang problem, with over 35,000 members and a predicted climb to 50,000. MS-13, Ghost Face Gangsters, Bloods, Crips, and Young Slime Life all contribute to the state’s escalating violent and criminal activity. These gangs, linked to high-profile killings and attacks on law enforcement, represent substantial threats to public safety, necessitating thorough intervention and preventative initiatives.