The Pagans, A Violent Motorcycle Gang, Is A Growing Threat in N.J.

New Jersey officials say a violent motorcycle gang is growing its membership in the state. The Pagans motorcyle gang now has 17 chapters throughout the state, up from 10 in 2016, according to a report from the State Commission of Investigation, an agency that investigates organized crime.

The Pagans are increasingly violent, both against their chief adversary, the Hells Angels, and random people at bars and on the road. They now recruit from street gangs, like the Bloods and Crips, and engage in loan-sharking and methamphetamine trafficking. The gang has white supremacist ties and forbids Black members and women, though the commission's report notes the group recently opened its ranks to Latinos. The commission recommends training for police officers on how to deal with the growing gang.