Georgia has a serious gang problem, with over 35,000 gang members identified thus far and an expected growth to over 50,000 by the end of the year. These gangs are responsible for the vast majority of violent and property crimes in the state, and some have spread to other parts of the world.
Here are five of the most violent gangs sweeping through Georgia, terrifying its residents.
MS-13
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is one of the world’s most well-known and deadliest street gangs, with roots in El Salvador and Los Angeles. The gang operates in Atlanta, where it is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and people smuggling.
MS-13 is notorious for its brutal tactics, which include beheading, dismemberment, and torturing competitors and victims. The organization has also been linked to several high-profile homicides in Georgia, including the death of a 14-year-old girl in Marietta in 2017.
Ghost Face Gangsters
Ghost Face Gangsters is a white supremacist prison gang that formed in Georgia in the late 1990s. The gang now has over 2,000 members, both inside and outside of jail, and has expanded into adjacent states such as Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. The gang is involved in drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and murder, and it is notorious for its brutality and ferocity. The organization has also been charged with many attacks on law enforcement officials, including the shooting of two deputies in 2018.
Bloods
The Bloods are a well-known African American street gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s. The gang includes several sections and subcategories, some of which are active in Georgia, particularly Atlanta. The group is involved in a variety of unlawful activities, such as drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder.
The gang is also known for its feud with the Crips, another African American street gang, and for employing the colors red and a five-pointed star as insignia.
Crips
The Crips are another well-known African American street gang that emerged in Los Angeles during the 1960s. The gang includes several sections and subcategories, some of which are active in Georgia, particularly Atlanta. The group is involved in a variety of unlawful activities, such as drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder. The gang is also known for its feud with the Bloods, as well as their insignia of blue and a six-pointed star.
Young Slime Life
Young Slime Life, or YSL, is an Atlanta-based rap group and street gang created by the well-known trap rapper Young Thug. The gang has a large fan base and an impact in the music industry, having produced various popular performers like as Gunna, Lil Baby, and Lil Keed.
The gang is also involved in violent crimes such as shootings, robberies, and killings, and it has a long history of conflict with Rich Gang, another rap group and gang. Young Thug and Gunna were among 28 people arrested in May 2022 as part of a huge gang indictment for racketeering, drug trafficking, and murder.
Conclusion
Georgia has a significant gang problem, with over 35,000 members and a projected increase to 50,000. MS-13, Ghost Face Gangsters, Bloods, Crips, and Young Slime Life all contribute to the state’s rising violence and criminal activity. These gangs, linked to high-profile assassinations and attacks on law enforcement, pose significant concerns to public safety, needing extensive involvement and preventative measures.