View source for Outlaws Motorcycle Club

{{Short description|International outlaw motorcycle club}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[outlaw motorcycle club]]s in general}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                     = Outlaws MC
| image                    = Outlaws Motorcycle Club logo.jpg
| image_size               = <!--(defaults to 200px)-->
| abbreviation             = A.O.A.<ref name="Infamous One Percenters">[http://www.cjcj.org/uploads/cjcj/documents/The_Infamous.pdf The Infamous ‘One Percenters’:  A Review of the Criminality, Subculture, and Structure of Modern Biker Gangs] Danielle Shields (2012) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914194645/http://www.cjcj.org/uploads/cjcj/documents/The_Infamous.pdf |date=September 14, 2022 }}</ref>
| founded                  = {{start date and age|1935}}<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/>
| founder                  = John Davis<ref name="Bikers brought years of feuding">[https://buffalonews.com/news/bikers-brought-years-of-feuding----and-guns----to-town/article_9dcf25f1-580a-52a8-a9c6-4f1929154b5c.html Bikers brought years of feuding -- and guns -- to town] Michael Beebe and Dan Herbeck, ''[[The Buffalo News]]'' (October 2, 1994) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20210420145258/https://buffalonews.com/news/bikers-brought-years-of-feuding----and-guns----to-town/article_9dcf25f1-580a-52a8-a9c6-4f1929154b5c.html |date=April 20, 2021 }}</ref>
| founding_location        = [[McCook, Illinois|McCook]], Illinois, United States<ref name="Biker Gangs">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dtpZvDVImcC&dq=George+Hartman%2C+Edwin+Riley+Albert+Simmons&pg=PT12|author=Walter Roberts|isbn=9781909284067|title=Biker Gangs|date=December 19, 2012|publisher=RW Press}}</ref>
| type                     = [[Outlaw motorcycle club]]
| headquarters             = [[Chicago]], Illinois, United States<ref name="Ex-Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club boss Orvie Cochran gets early prison release">[https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/4/16/22385060/outlaws-motorcycle-club-orville-orvie-cochran-early-prison-release-first-step-act Ex-Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club boss Orvie Cochran gets early prison release] Robert Herguth, ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' (April 16, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918174954/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/4/16/22385060/outlaws-motorcycle-club-orville-orvie-cochran-early-prison-release-first-step-act |date=September 18, 2022 }}</ref>
| region                   = Worldwide (441 chapters in 43 countries)<ref name="Pharaoh's case">[https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/pharaohs-case-isnt-the-first-that-linked-an-outlaws-leader-to-a-witness-death/article_4b213760-bb91-11ee-97e0-535453324230.html Pharaoh's case isn't the first that linked an Outlaws leader to a witness' death] Dan Herbeck, ''[[The Buffalo News]]'' (January 30, 2024) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20240130142613/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/pharaohs-case-isnt-the-first-that-linked-an-outlaws-leader-to-a-witness-death/article_4b213760-bb91-11ee-97e0-535453324230.html#selection-3443.0-3452.0 |date=January 30, 2024 }}</ref>
| purpose                  = <!-- focus as e.g. veteran, law enforcement, charitable etc -->
| membership               = Over 5,000<ref name="Setting up shop">[https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/biker-gang-setting-up-shop/article_683e88cc-7d1c-5451-b325-24b0e099cfc6.html Biker gang setting up shop?] ''[[The Peterborough Examiner]]'' (November 10, 2010) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901195642/https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/biker-gang-setting-up-shop/article_683e88cc-7d1c-5451-b325-24b0e099cfc6.html |date=September 1, 2023 }}</ref>
| leader_name              = John "Tommy O" Erwin<ref name="Accused international leader">[https://buffalonews.com/news/local/outlaws-motorcycle-club-john-t-tommy-o-ermin-gets-public-defender-pharaohs-gentlemens-club/article_5dc5268a-f366-11ee-9981-c7987db9389a.html Accused international leader of Outlaws Motorcycle Club gets a court-appointed attorney] Dan Herbeck, ''[[The Buffalo News]]'' (April 7, 2024) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20240408021649/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/outlaws-motorcycle-club-john-t-tommy-o-ermin-gets-public-defender-pharaohs-gentlemens-club/article_5dc5268a-f366-11ee-9981-c7987db9389a.html#selection-3519.0-3528.0 |date=April 8, 2024 }}</ref>
| leader_title             = International President
| key_people               = 
| activities               = <!-- notable events, activities etc -->
| website                  = {{Official website}}
}}
The '''Outlaws Motorcycle Club''', [[Incorporation (business)|incorporated]] as the '''American Outlaws Association''' or its acronym, '''A.O.A.''', is an international [[outlaw motorcycle club]]. Founded in [[McCook, Illinois]], in 1935, the Outlaws MC is the oldest outlaw biker club in the world.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/> With 441 chapters located in 43 countries,<ref name="Pharaoh's case"/> and a membership of over 5,000,<ref name="Setting up shop"/> the club is also the second-largest in the world, behind the [[Hells Angels Motorcycle Club|Hells Angels]].<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/2009/03/30/outlaws_president_resigns_in_disgust.html Outlaws president resigns in disgust] Peter Edwards, ''[[Toronto Star]]'' (30 March 2009) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918180236/https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/2009/03/30/outlaws_president_resigns_in_disgust.html |date=September 18, 2022 }}</ref> Outlaws members typically ride [[Harley-Davidson]] motorcycles.<ref name="Loyal to Harley-Davidson">{{Cite web |first=Peter |last=Edwards |date=2018-06-27 |title=Outlaw bikers say they're loyal to Harley-Davidson, even as Trump's trade policies push the company to look overseas |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/06/27/outlaw-bikers-say-theyre-loyal-to-harley-davidson-even-as-trumps-trade-policies-push-the-company-to-look-overseas.html |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=[[Toronto Star]] |language=en |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701052227/https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/06/27/outlaw-bikers-say-theyre-loyal-to-harley-davidson-even-as-trumps-trade-policies-push-the-company-to-look-overseas.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite court |litigants=United States v. Warneke, Kadlec, Jensen, Kruppstadt, Miller, Mroch, O'neill, Powers, and Schneider |vol=310 |reporter=F.3d |opinion=542 |pinpoint=8 |court=7th Cir. |date=2002 |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/310/542/495577/ |quote=Warfare broke out between the Outlaws and Hell's Angels motorcycle gangs during the 1990s... The conflict seems to have been more about control of criminal activities (such as drug sales) than about divergent methods of motorcycle maintenance or incompatible bikes (both groups favor Harleys)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910012143/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/310/542/495577/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The club is designated an [[organized crime]] syndicate by numerous law enforcement and international intelligence agencies, including the [[United States Department of Justice]], the [[Criminal Intelligence Service Canada]], and [[Europol]].<ref name="doj-gangunit">{{cite web|title=Motorcycle gang|url=https://www.justice.gov/criminal/ocgs/gangs/motorcycle.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415074158/http://www.justice.gov/criminal/ocgs/gangs/motorcycle.html|archive-date=April 15, 2014|access-date=January 23, 2010|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="OC in Canada 2003">[https://publications.gc.ca/Collection/JS61-8-2003E.pdf 2003 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada] [[Criminal Intelligence Service Canada]] (2003) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702195551/https://publications.gc.ca/site/archivee-archived.html?url=https://publications.gc.ca/Collection/JS61-8-2003E.pdf |date=July 2, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="Outlaw motorcycle gangs">[https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas-and-trends/crime-areas/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs Outlaw motorcycle gangs] [[Europol]] {{Cite web |url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas-and-statistics/crime-areas/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918182110/https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas-and-statistics/crime-areas/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

== History ==
Originating as the McCook Outlaws MC, the club was founded by [[Electro-Motive Company]] employees at Matilda's bar on [[U.S. Route 66|Route 66]] in the southwestern [[Chicago]] suburb of [[McCook, Illinois]], in 1935.{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=40-41}} John Davis was reportedly the founder of the club.<ref name="Bikers brought years of feuding"/><ref name="The Outlaws">[http://www.segag.org/mcgangs/outlaws.html The Outlaws Motorcycle Club] segag.org {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928193700/http://www.segag.org/mcgangs/outlaws.html |date=September 28, 2022 }}</ref> Although inactive during [[World War II]], the Outlaws re-formed afterwards and attended the first major postwar [[motorcycle rally]], held at [[Soldier Field]] in Chicago in May 1946.{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=41}} By 1950, the club had begun recruiting members from around the [[Chicago metropolitan area|Chicago area]] and was renamed the Chicago Outlaws MC after relocating its headquarters to the [[South Side, Chicago|South Side]] of the city.{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=41}} In 1964, the Outlaws merged with the Cult biker club from [[Voorheesville, New York]], the Gypsy Outlaws of [[Milwaukee]], and the Gypsy Raiders in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], becoming the largest "[[Outlaw motorcycle club#One percenter|one percenter]]" club east of the [[Mississippi River]] and the second-largest in the United States after the California-based [[Hells Angels Motorcycle Club|Hells Angels]]. On January 1, 1965, the various aligned clubs incorporated as the American Outlaws Association.{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=42}} The Outlaws further expanded into Florida in July 1967 by "patching over" the Iron Cross club in [[West Palm Beach, Florida|West Palm Beach]].{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=43}}

The club featured in a work of photojournalism called ''The Bikeriders'' published in 1967 by [[Danny Lyon]], a collection of photographs and interviews documenting the lifestyle of members of the club in the 1960s.<ref>The Bikeriders. Lyon, Danny Chronicle Books, 2004 {{ISBN|0811841618}}</ref> Lyon spent four years riding with the Outlaws' Chicago  chapter beginning in 1963 and became a full-fledged member of the club in "an attempt to record and glorify the life of the American bike rider".<ref name="Outlaws Club rides again">[https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/the-chicago-outlaws-motorcycle-club-rides-again/ The Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club rides again] Patrick Sisson, ''[[Chicago Reader]]'' (April 22, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109004440/https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/the-chicago-outlaws-motorcycle-club-rides-again/ }}</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2NkN4pvS50YJjn7BqZY4n2x/chasing-outlaws-how-danny-lyon-changed-photography Chasing outlaws: How Danny Lyon changed photography] [[BBC]] (25 October 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918183041/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2NkN4pvS50YJjn7BqZY4n2x/chasing-outlaws-how-danny-lyon-changed-photography |date=September 18, 2022 }}</ref> ''The Bikeriders'' preceded ''[[Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs]]'' by [[Hunter S. Thompson]], who warned Lyon that he should "get the hell out of that club unless it's absolutely necessary for photo action."<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/apr/20/danny-lyon-photographer-outlaw-bikers Danny Lyon's inside shots] Sean O'Hagan, ''[[The Guardian]]'' (20 April 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918183310/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/apr/20/danny-lyon-photographer-outlaw-bikers |date=September 18, 2022 }}</ref>

During the early 1970s, a power struggle for control of the Outlaws developed between a faction of "[[beer]] drinkers" and a rival group of club members who preferred to smoke [[marijuana]]. Several Outlaws gang members, including John Davis the reputed founder of the Outlaws, were killed by a "pot smoker" and [[Vietnam veteran]] during a shootout near [[Lake Shore Drive]] on the [[North Side, Chicago|North Side]] of Chicago as a result of the feud, leaving 11 dead.{{sfn|Barker|2007|p=4}}<ref name="Outlaws Motorcycle Gang">[https://lasd.org/pdfjs/web/mcj_Outlaws_OMG.pdf Outlaws Motorcycle Gang] [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department]] (September 1, 2004) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812194329/https://lasd.org/pdfjs/web/mcj_Outlaws_OMG.pdf |date=August 12, 2021 }}</ref>

The Outlaws' long-standing rivalry with the Hells Angels began when 3 Hells Angel bikers were executed and beheaded by Outlaw members in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], on April 27, 1974.{{sfn|Barker|2007|p=9}}{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=45}}<ref>[https://www.thetimes.com/best-law-firms/profile-legal/article/bloody-and-long-lasting-the-feud-between-hells-angels-and-outlaws-75nm26gdzgq Bloody and long lasting: the feud between Hells Angels and Outlaws] Sean O'Neill, ''[[The Times]]'' (20 July 2009) [https://www.thetimes.com/best-law-firms/profile-legal/article/bloody-and-long-lasting-the-feud-between-hells-angels-and-outlaws-75nm26gdzgq]</ref> The triple murder was carried out in retaliation for the earlier beating of an Outlaw by a Hells Angel, which took place in [[New York City]] on December 31, 1973.{{sfn|Lavigne|1996|p=171}}<ref name="History of Outlaw gang">[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/05/05/fbi-agent-describes-history-of-outlaw-gang/ FBI agent describes history of Outlaw gang] Bruce Vielmetti, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (May 5, 1995) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230711224131/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/05/05/fbi-agent-describes-history-of-outlaw-gang/ |date=July 11, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="Legendary Biker War">[https://gangsterreport.com/hells-angels-outlaws-biker-war-can-be-traced-back-to-1974-triple-murder-in-south-florida/ Legendary Hells Angels-Outlaws Biker War Can Be Traced Back To 1974 Triple Murder In South Florida] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (April 23, 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919191813/https://gangsterreport.com/hells-angels-outlaws-biker-war-can-be-traced-back-to-1974-triple-murder-in-south-florida/ |date=September 19, 2022 }}</ref> The Hells Angels declared war on the Outlaws during a club summit held in [[Cleveland]] later in 1974.<ref name="Organized Crime in America">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=12hHAwjxXgYC&dq=hells+angels+declared+war+cleveland+1974&pg=PA421|author=United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary|title=Organized Crime in America|date=1983}}</ref> The deadly conflict resulted in 1,000+ of fatalities in each club in the following decades.<ref name="Legendary Biker War"/>

In 1977, the Outlaws became an international club when several chapters of the [[Satan's Choice Motorcycle Club]] in Canada "patched over".<ref name="Biker gangs in Canada">[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978 Biker gangs in Canada] [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (July 13, 2011) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20140429023641/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978 |date=April 29, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime">[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7ea2794cde7a79e7c00582/t/6373b10453ffce4ddfd18bac/1668526341186/%236+omc+and+org+crime.pdf Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime] (June 3, 2020) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416210932/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7ea2794cde7a79e7c00582/t/6373b10453ffce4ddfd18bac/1668526341186/%236+omc+and+org+crime.pdf |date=April 16, 2023 }}</ref> The club further expanded internationally, into France in 1993, Australia in 1994, and Norway in 1995.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime"/><ref name="Australian Bikie Gangs">[https://www.newidea.com.au/australian-bikie-gangs-complete-list-of-outlaw-motorcycle-clubs Australian Bikie Gangs: Complete List of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs] Amy Farrugia, ''[[New Idea]]'' (March 30, 2019) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017022649/https://www.newidea.com.au/australian-bikie-gangs-complete-list-of-outlaw-motorcycle-clubs |date=October 17, 2022 }}</ref> Additional chapters were subsequently established throughout Europe.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime"/> In November 2006, the Outlaws became the first major outlaw motorcycle club to open a chapter in the [[Far East]] when a full charter was awarded to a club in [[Okinawa City]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=slOulis97A4C&dq=support+your+local+outlaws&pg=PT150|title=Outlaws: Inside the Hell's Angel Biker Wars|isbn=9781444716610|last1=Thompson|first1=Tony|date=4 August 2011|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |quote=In late November 2006, the Outlaws became the first major international biker gang to open up a chapter in the Far East—with the granting of a full charter to a club in Okinawa City.}}</ref>

== Insignia ==
[[File:Outlaws patches.jpg|thumb|Outlaws members wearing club "colors"]]
The Outlaws' original insignia consisted of a head-on view of a motorcycle in a winged circle, which was hand-painted onto the back of members' jackets. In 1950, the club's logo was changed; a small skull replaced the winged motorcycle, and [[Blackletter|Old English]]-style letters were adopted. This design was [[Embroidery|embroidered]] on a black shirt or hand-painted onto leather jackets. Influenced by the fictional Black Rebel Motorcycle Club depicted in the film ''[[The Wild One]]'', the Outlaws added crossed [[piston]]s affixed to the original small skull in 1954, a design embroidered on a black [[Western shirt|western-style shirt]] with white piping. The skull and crossed pistons logo, known as "Charlie", was redesigned in 1959, making it larger and with more detail.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/> The club's "Charlie" insignia is a [[registered trademark]].<ref name="Trademark Details">[https://trademarks.justia.com/850/49/outlaws-85049407.html Outlaws MC - Trademark Details] [[Justia]] (December 1, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821154334/https://trademarks.justia.com/850/49/outlaws-85049407.html |date=August 21, 2023 }}</ref> In 1963, the Outlaws began wearing a diamond-shaped "[[Outlaw motorcycle club#One percenter|1%er]]" [[Embroidered patch|patch]], becoming the first club east of the [[Mississippi River]] to do so.<ref name="17 Things">[https://www.hotcars.com/17-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-outlaws-motorcycle-club/ 17 Things You Didn't Know About The Outlaws Motorcycle Club] Arun Singh Pundir, hotcars.com (August 27, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915145405/https://www.hotcars.com/17-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-outlaws-motorcycle-club |date=September 15, 2022 }}</ref> The "one percenter" emblem was originally adopted by several California biker clubs beginning in 1960.<ref name="Look Homeward Angel">[https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/look-homeward-angelcycle-icon-sonny-barger-kick-starts-life-as-a-free-man-by-violating-parole-6426227 Look Homeward Angel: Cycle Icon Sonny Barger Kick-Starts Life As A Free Man By Violating Parole] Philip Martin, ''[[Phoenix New Times]]'' (December 2, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20221113233828/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/look-homeward-angelcycle-icon-sonny-barger-kick-starts-life-as-a-free-man-by-violating-parole-6426227?showFullText=true |date=November 13, 2022 }}</ref> After [[Incorporation (business)|incorporating]] as the American Outlaws Association in 1965, the club added an additional A.O.A. patch to its "[[Colors (motorcycling)|colors]]", featuring an upstretched [[The finger|middle finger]] in a rounded triangle. The A.O.A. emblem was adopted as a parody of the [[American Motorcyclist Association|A.M.A.]] logo.{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=41-42}} A patch listing a member's rank within the organization is also worn by club officers.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider">[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100862/ Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider] Anand N. Bosmia, James F. Quinn, Todd B. Peterson, Christoph J. Griessenauer, and R. Shane Tubbs, [[United States National Library of Medicine]] (July 15, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912211254/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100862/ |date=September 12, 2022 }}</ref> An "S.S." patch featuring twin lightning bolts is allegedly awarded to members who have committed murder, attempted murder or a bombing on behalf of the club.<ref>[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/05/09/outlaw-informant-tells-tale-of-ambush-and-terror/ Outlaw informant tells tale of ambush and terror] Bruce Vielmetti, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (May 9, 1995) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009192529/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/05/09/outlaw-informant-tells-tale-of-ambush-and-terror/ |date=October 9, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="Witness offers inside look">[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-04-05-9904050135-story.html Witness offers inside look at biker battle] Carolyn Starks, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' (April 5, 1999) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230803000052/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-04-05-9904050135-story.html |date=August 3, 2023 }}</ref> A black-and-white color scheme is associated with the Outlaws, as is ''[[Totenkopf]]'' imagery, symbols such as a hand clenching a pistol, and paraphernalia featuring the phrases "Support Black & White" and "Support Your Local Outlaws", or "SYLO".<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/><ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider"/><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=slOulis97A4C&dq=support+your+local+outlaws&pg=PT150|title=Outlaws: Inside the Hell's Angel Biker Wars|isbn=9781444716610|last1=Thompson|first1=Tony|date=4 August 2011|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |quote=A new line of designer biker merchandise, branded SYLO, was launched and brought in some much-needed cash—proving popular with associates of the Hell's Angels, until they realised the letters stood for 'Support Your Local Outlaws'.}}</ref>

In 1969, the club adopted the motto "God forgives, Outlaws don't" ("GFOD").{{sfn|Langton|2010|p=43}} The Outlaws' rivalry with the [[Hells Angels Motorcycle Club|Hells Angels]] has given rise to other phrases used by Outlaws members; namely "ADIOS" (the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] word for "goodbye", but in this case doubling as an [[acronym]] for "'''A'''ngels '''D'''ie '''I'''n '''O'''utlaw '''S'''tates"),<ref name="17 Things"/><ref>[https://www.history.co.uk/shows/outlaw-chronicles-hells-angels/articles/top-6-notorious-biker-gangs Hells Angels and 6 more notorious biker gangs] [[History Channel (UK)|History Channel]] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230819171420/https://www.history.co.uk/shows/outlaw-chronicles-hells-angels/articles/top-6-notorious-biker-gangs |date=August 19, 2023 }}</ref> and "All Hells Angels must die", or "AHAMD".<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman">[https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-11th-circuit/1435860.html United States of America v. Harry Bowman] [[FindLaw]] (August 20, 2002) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921155507/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-11th-circuit/1435860.html |date=September 21, 2022 }}</ref> "Snitches are a dying breed" as well as the more generic "Outlaws forever, forever Outlaws" ("OFFO") are other mottos used by the club.<ref>[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2003/08/22/informer-testifies-on-bikers-battles/ Informer testifies on bikers' battles] Graham Brink, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (September 1, 2005) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914194338/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2003/08/22/informer-testifies-on-bikers-battles/ |date=September 14, 2022 }}</ref> Patches featuring these various abbreviations are commonly worn by Outlaws members.<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/><ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/>

== Membership ==
[[File:Outlaws MC member on motorcycle.jpg|thumb|right|An Outlaws member on a motorcycle]]
To be eligible for Outlaws membership, applicants must be men over the age of 21 and also be in possession of an American-made motorcycle of at least 750[[Engine displacement|cc]].<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/><ref name="Seven face life sentences">[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/nov/28/murder-trial-outlaws-hells-angels Seven face life sentences for Hells Angel's murder] Duncan Campbell, ''[[The Guardian]]'' (November 28, 2008) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109181201/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/nov/28/murder-trial-outlaws-hells-angels |date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref> Outlaws in the United States and Canada are essentially limited to riding [[Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company|Indian]], [[Victory Motorcycles|Victory]] and [[Harley-Davidson]] motorcycles, which are most common in the club.<ref name="Loyal to Harley-Davidson"/> Outside of North America, however, this rule has been relaxed, allowing members to ride motorcycles manufactured in any country, provided they are in the [[Chopper (motorcycle)|chopper]] style.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/>

The following five criteria are considered when evaluating an aspiring Outlaws member:

# Owns and rides a Harley-Davidson
# Is competent in the mechanics of motorcycles
# Lives a lifestyle congruent with biker subculture and "treats other righteous bikers as bros"
# Is viewed by society as masculine in "outlook, behavior, and sexual orientation"
# Does not conform to "worldly values" but instead conforms to the lifestyle of the club<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Quinn |first=James F. |date=July 2001 |title=angels, bandidos, outlaws, and pagans: the evolution of organized crime among the big four 1% motorcycle clubs |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/016396201750267870 |journal=Deviant Behavior |language=en |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=379–399 |doi=10.1080/016396201750267870 |s2cid=143626689 |issn=0163-9625|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

To be formally inducted into club, applicants have to be sponsored by a member, and they begin as an associate, or "hangaround", in order to assist the chapter, before being made a prospective member, or "prospect"; if he is approved by the club, then a prospect is moved up to probationary, or "probate", status, a position in which he is required to demonstrate his commitment to the club.<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/><ref name="U.S. v. Starrett">[https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-11th-circuit/1336426.html United States v. James Walter Starrett, Timothy Kevin Duke, Michael Lee Cave, Donald Joe Sears, James Thomas Nolan, Frederick Joseph Hegney] [[FindLaw]] (June 27, 1995) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230712153652/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-11th-circuit/1336426.html |date=July 12, 2023 }}</ref> A probate is identified by wearing a mandatory [[Embroidered patch|patch]] on a [[cut-off]] leather or denim vest reading: "Probationary Outlaws".<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> The probationary period typically lasts several months.<ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/><ref name="Prosecutors">[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/03/21/prosecutors-try-to-depose-the-top-outlaw/ Prosecutors try to depose the "top Outlaw'] Graham Brink, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (March 21, 2001) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929150229/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/03/21/prosecutors-try-to-depose-the-top-outlaw/ |date=September 29, 2022 }}</ref> The highest level of membership in the Outlaws is "patched" or "patchwearing" member, which is attained by a unanimous vote of each chapter.<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/><ref name="Outlaws have violent history">[https://abc7chicago.com/outlaws-clubhouse-joliet-katie-kearns/2658534/ Outlaws have sordid, violent history in metro Chicago] Chuck Goudie, [[ABC 7 Chicago]] (November 16, 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929191958/https://abc7chicago.com/outlaws-clubhouse-joliet-katie-kearns/2658534/ |date=September 29, 2022 }}</ref> Upon becoming a full-fledged member, an Outlaw is permitted to wear a vest bearing the club's insignia, known as "[[Colors (motorcycling)|colors]]", and to attend weekly "church" meetings.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/><ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> The patch on a member's colors displaying the Outlaws emblem is surrounded by other patches denoting chapter and club membership information, which are called "rockers". These rocker patches are purchased directly from the international president.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Club rules dictate that the Outlaws' patches must be worn on leather or black denim (blue denim is banned) and that club regalia is not allowed to be worn by members' wives or girlfriends.<ref name="Seven face life sentences"/> Women affiliated with the club, known as "old ladies", are, however, allowed to wear vests with patches reading: "Property of the Outlaws".<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/><ref name="Outlaws have violent history"/> Outlaws are instructed to guard their colors with their lives, and it is forbidden for any item bearing the club's logo to touch the floor.<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/>

[[File:Outlaws lighting bolts tattoo.jpg|thumb|left|Outlaws tattoo featuring [[SS runes|SS "Sieg" runes]]]]
Members are required to pay dues of $1,200 per year and to attend local, regional and national events.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/> Obligatory chapter "church" meetings are held weekly, and club motorcycle trips and parties which may last several days, known as "runs", are held throughout the year. National runs take place three or four times per year, regional runs occur between five and twenty times a year, and local runs typically occur weekly.<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> Membership dues are divided between the chapter and the region and are used to finance activities such as memorials and group excursions.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/><ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Outlaws members are usually assessed a fee if a fellow club member is in need of legal assistance.<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> It is compulsory for all members other than chapter presidents to take turns providing 24-hour armed guard at Outlaws clubhouses.<ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/><ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> Indiscipline and rule breaches are punished with a $300 fine.<ref name="Seven face life sentences"/> Members are also instructed by the club to attend funerals of fellow Outlaws.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Additionally, Outlaws members reportedly transfer their membership from chapter to chapter more frequently than members of other prominent motorcycle clubs.<ref name="Overview">[https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf Outlaw motorcycle gangs USA overview] [[National Institute of Justice]] (1991) {{Cite web |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123220851/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Regarding contact with non-club members, Outlaws are required to adhere to a "strict no comment policy".<ref name="Seven face life sentences"/>

After a year of membership in the club, Outlaws are eligible to sport a tattoo of the club's emblem as well as club slogans, such as "God forgives, Outlaws don't", or "GFOD".<ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/><ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> After five years, club members may have replicas of their "colors" tattooed on their backs.<ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/> Additional tattoos may reflect membership information.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Allegedly, a member who has killed or attempted to kill for the Outlaws is permitted to wear "lightning bolts", a tattoo featuring a [[Nazi]]-style "SS" ''[[SS runes|doppelte Siegrune]]'' (double sig runes) symbol.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJRXDwAAQBAJ&dq=outlaws+ss+bowman+tattoo&pg=PT115|title=The Outlaw Biker Legacy of Violence|isbn=9781138483897|last1=Barker|first1=Thomas|date=April 26, 2018|publisher=Routledge |quote=The Outlaws MC dictates that "an Outlaw who commits murder, attempts murder or explodes a bomb on behalf of the Outlaws is entitled to wear 'lightning bolts', a Nazi-style 'SS' tattoo."}}</ref> Incarcerated Outlaws members are known as "Lounge Lizards", of which the club maintains a list and collects money on behalf of. An Outlaw who has served a prison sentence is entitled to receive an "LL", or "Lounge Lizard", tattoo.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Other tattoos common with club members include "AHAMD", an acronym for "All Hells Angels must die".<ref name="History of Outlaw gang"/>

Members can leave the club in either "bad standing", "good standing", in retirement or when deceased. Retired Outlaws are permitted to wear a "dress shirt (retirement style)", according to the club's bylaws.<ref name="Seven face life sentences"/> Some club leaders, however, such as [[Jim Nolan (biker)|James "Big Jim" Nolan]], have at times upheld a ban on members retiring from the Outlaws.<ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/>

== Organization ==
Outlaws chapters are governed by an elected officer corps consisting of a [[president (corporate title)|president]], [[vice president]], [[treasurer]], and [[sergeant-at-arms]], or "[[Mob enforcer|enforcer]]".<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/><ref name="U.S. v. Starrett"/> Chapters follow guidelines that dictate election procedures, gatherings, and action against members who have violated the club's bylaws.<ref name="Biker Gangs"/> The club has 441 chapters located in 43 countries, in Asia, Europe and North America.<ref name="Pharaoh's case"/><ref name="History of the Outlaws">[https://moneyinc.com/history-of-the-outlaws-motorcycle-club/ The History of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club] Benjamin Smith, moneyinc.com (March 16, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820235730/https://moneyinc.com/history-of-the-outlaws-motorcycle-club/ |date=August 20, 2023 }}</ref> Each chapter is headquartered at a clubhouse, which is typically a building secured by concrete walls, steel doors, razor wire, guard dogs, and video surveillance. Clubhouses are used to host "church" meetings and parties.<ref name="U.S. v. Bowman"/> Chapter presidents report to regional presidents, who oversee individual regions, which are divided and named by color, such as the red and blue regions. Regional president in turn report to the club's international president, who heads the Outlaws organization.<ref name="Infamous One Percenters"/> Officers at the national, regional and local levels are elected by the membership of the club.<ref name="U.S. v. Killip">[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/819/1542/244799/ United States of America v. John Scott Killip a/k/a "Little Wolf," Johnnie Lee Adams a/k/a "Squirrel," James Sam Marr a/k/a "Sampson," Virgil Earl Nelson a/k/a "Arlo," Marcel Teague a/k/a "Tramp," and Ronald Dale Krout a/k/a "Krout"] [[Justia]] (June 1, 1987) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930180812/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/819/1542/244799/ |date=September 30, 2015 }}</ref> According to law enforcement, the Outlaws' internal enforcer squad is known as the "S.S.".<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs">[https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs] Deputy John Williams, [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department]] (2008) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128070159/https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf |date=November 28, 2021 }}</ref>

The Outlaws' territory in the United States is divided into ten color-coded regions;<ref name="Outlaws gang members testify against former 'brothers'">[https://independenttribune.com/news/outlaws-gang-members-testify-against-former-brothers/article_93b49f27-bd1c-5444-8a7b-396147567542.html Outlaws gang members testify against former 'brothers'] Frank Green and Reed Williams, ''[[Independent Tribune]]'' (October 26, 2010) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230820195031/https://independenttribune.com/news/outlaws-gang-members-testify-against-former-brothers/article_93b49f27-bd1c-5444-8a7b-396147567542.html |date=August 20, 2023 }}</ref> the black region ([[Indiana]] and [[Michigan]]),<ref>[https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/2009/07/members_of_bay_city_outlaws_mo.html Members of Bay City Outlaws Motorcycle Club face sentencing in federal sting] LaNia Coleman, ''[[The Bay City Times]]'' (July 30, 2009) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919154257/https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/2009/07/members_of_bay_city_outlaws_mo.html |date=September 19, 2022 }}</ref> the blue region ([[Pennsylvania]]),{{sfn|Droban|James|2017|p=19}} the copper region ([[North Carolina]], [[South Carolina]] and [[Virginia]]),<ref>[https://hickoryrecord.com/news/outlaws-feds-blasted-our-building/article_1ff82fc4-b47d-5b9d-a5bb-c523c20a4f41.html Outlaws: Feds blasted our building] Richard Gould, ''[[Hickory Daily Record]]'' (May 16, 2010) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230820194112/https://hickoryrecord.com/news/outlaws-feds-blasted-our-building/article_1ff82fc4-b47d-5b9d-a5bb-c523c20a4f41.html |date=August 20, 2023 }}</ref> the gold region ([[Wisconsin]]),<ref name="Outlaws National President Sentenced">[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/outlaws-motorcycle-national-president-sentenced-20-years-prison Outlaws Motorcycle National President Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison] [[United States Department of Justice]] (April 8, 2011) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919161658/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/outlaws-motorcycle-national-president-sentenced-20-years-prison |date=September 19, 2022 }}</ref> the gray region ([[Tennessee]]),{{sfn|Droban|James|2017|p=19}} the green region ([[Kentucky]], [[Ohio]] and [[Oklahoma]]),<ref>[https://gangsterreport.com/biker-royalty-brigade-outlaws-mc-nation-mourns-loss-of-fmr-president-big-frank-wheeler/ Biker Royalty Brigade: Outlaws MC Nation Mourns Loss Of Fmr. President Big Frank Wheeler] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (December 16, 2020) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919152507/https://gangsterreport.com/biker-royalty-brigade-outlaws-mc-nation-mourns-loss-of-fmr-president-big-frank-wheeler/ |date=September 19, 2022 }}</ref> the orange region ([[Florida]]),{{sfn|Droban|James|2017|p=19}} the red region ([[New England]] and the [[Delaware Valley|Philadelphia metro area]]),<ref>[https://www.pressherald.com/2010/06/20/raid-reveals-structure-of-gang-thats-facing-racketeering-counts_2010-06-20/ Raid reveals structure of gang that's facing racketeering counts] ''[[Portland Press Herald]]'' (June 20, 2010) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919163438/https://www.pressherald.com/2010/06/20/raid-reveals-structure-of-gang-thats-facing-racketeering-counts_2010-06-20/ |date=September 19, 2022 }}</ref> the silver region ([[Alabama]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]),<ref name="Bikers caught up in FBI sting">[https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/state/2013/01/13/documents-show-area-bikers-got-caught-fbi-sting/15458986007/ Documents show area bikers got caught up in FBI sting] Joe Johnson, ''[[Athens Banner-Herald]]'' (January 12, 2013) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728133848/https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/state/2013/01/13/documents-show-area-bikers-got-caught-fbi-sting/15458986007/ |date=July 28, 2023 }}</ref> and the white region ([[Illinois]]).<ref>[https://fox6now.com/2018/10/02/former-leader-of-outlaws-motorcycle-club-pleads-guilty-to-racketeering-conspiracy/ Former leader of Outlaws Motorcycle Club pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy] [[WITI (TV)|WITI]] (October 2, 2018) {{Cite web |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/former-leader-of-outlaws-motorcycle-club-pleads-guilty-to-racketeering-conspiracy |title=Former leader of Outlaws Motorcycle Club pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy |date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919183359/https://www.fox6now.com/news/former-leader-of-outlaws-motorcycle-club-pleads-guilty-to-racketeering-conspiracy |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Formerly, the club's territory was divided into three areas; "Central", headquartered in [[Chicago]]; "North", headquartered in [[Detroit]]; and "South", headquartered in [[Oklahoma City]].<ref name="The Outlaws"/> The Outlaws' international headquarters has historically been centred in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]].<ref>[https://gangsterreport.com/matching-witts-on-wheels-outlaws-mc-locking-down-allies-in-their-fight-against-the-pagans-mc-its-blue-wave/ Matching Witts On Wheels: Outlaws MC Locking Down Allies In Their Fight Against The Pagans MC & Its Blue Wave] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (June 29, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723210322/https://gangsterreport.com/matching-witts-on-wheels-outlaws-mc-locking-down-allies-in-their-fight-against-the-pagans-mc-its-blue-wave/ |date=July 23, 2022 }}</ref> The [[South Side, Chicago]] chapter was designated the club's "mother chapter" in 1964 and is known as the "Mother Ship" among Outlaws members.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime"/><ref>[https://gangsterreport.com/windy-city-biker-world-big-shot-orvie-the-anvil-cops-plea-outlaws-mc-boss-has-murder-beefs-dropped/ Windy City Biker World Big Shot Orvie The Anvil Cops Plea, Outlaws MC Boss Has Murder Beefs Dropped] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (October 3, 2018) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913201248/https://gangsterreport.com/windy-city-biker-world-big-shot-orvie-the-anvil-cops-plea-outlaws-mc-boss-has-murder-beefs-dropped/ |date=September 13, 2021 }}</ref> During the presidency of [[Harry Bowman|Harry "Taco" Bowman]], from 1984 until 1999, the Outlaws' leadership was based in [[Detroit]].<ref>[https://gangsterreport.com/former-outlaws-mc-president-taco-bowman-the-detroit-mob-squared-off-in-90s-dice-game-dispute/ Former Outlaws MC President Taco Bowman & The Detroit Mob Squared Off In ’90s Dice Game Dispute] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (August 5, 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003072059/https://gangsterreport.com/former-outlaws-mc-president-taco-bowman-the-detroit-mob-squared-off-in-90s-dice-game-dispute/ |date=October 3, 2022 }}</ref> Bowman's successor, James "Big Frank" Wheeler, relocated the club's headquarters to [[Tampa, Florida]].<ref name="Biker Gangs In The Motor City">[https://gangsterreport.com/biker-gangs-in-the-motor-city-a-history-of-riding-rough/ Biker Gangs In The Motor City: A History of Riding Rough] Scott Burnstein, GangsterReport.com (July 2, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921185047/https://gangsterreport.com/biker-gangs-in-the-motor-city-a-history-of-riding-rough/ |date=September 21, 2022 }}</ref> The subsequent Outlaws international president, Jack Rosga, was based in [[Milwaukee]].<ref name="Biker Gangs In The Motor City"/><ref name="Wisconsin chief">[https://www.twincities.com/2011/04/07/wisconsin-chief-of-outlaws-biker-gang-gets-20-years-in-racketeering-case/ Wisconsin chief of Outlaws biker gang gets 20 years in racketeering case] ''[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]]'' (April 7, 2011) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701071651/https://www.twincities.com/2011/04/07/wisconsin-chief-of-outlaws-biker-gang-gets-20-years-in-racketeering-case/ |date=July 1, 2018 }}</ref> In April 2021, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi alleged in court papers that the current international president of the Outlaws is John Ermin, the general manager of Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club in [[Cheektowaga, New York]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herbeck |first1=Dan |title=GM of Pharaoh's strip club is leader of international biker club, prosecutor says |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/gm-of-pharaohs-strip-club-is-leader-of-international-biker-club-prosecutor-says/article_9d96af76-9edd-11eb-a86a-53f753081cb5.html |website=Buffalo News |date=20 April 2021  |access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref>

=== Support clubs ===
Each major Outlaws chapter maintains one to five [[support club]]s, smaller motorcycle clubs which are within the Outlaws' sphere of influence. Members of such clubs are permitted to attend Outlaws events and wear "support" [[Embroidered patch|patches]] which identify them with the Outlaws, and are required to perform menial tasks and guard duties on the Outlaws' behalf. According to law enforcement, the Outlaws utilize support clubs to carry out retail-level drug distribution and violent crimes in order to insulate the 
club from possible criminal liability.<ref name="Indiana Drug Threat Assessment">[https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs0/660/660p.pdf Indiana Drug Threat Assessment] [[National Drug Intelligence Center]] (April 2001) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402230439/https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs0/660/660p.pdf |date=April 2, 2023 }}</ref>

The official, and primary, support club for the Outlaws is the [[Black Pistons Motorcycle Club]], which is active internationally.<ref name=Barker1>{{Citation |title=One Percent Biker Clubs -- A Description |last=Barker |first=Tom |periodical=Trends in Organized Crime |publisher=Springer New York |issn=1084-4791 |volume=9 |issue= 1 |date=September 2005 |doi=10.1007/s12117-005-1005-0 |pages=101–112 |s2cid=144003167 |quote=Puppet Clubs. In addition to the Big 5 and the Independent clubs there are also "puppet" clubs that do the bidding of the larger clubs, act as potential recruiting sources, serve as cannon fodder in the wars between clubs, and give a portion of their illegal gains to the larger club. The Red Devils MC is well known as a puppet club for the HAMC as are the Black Pistons MC as a puppet club for the Outlaws. The Outlaw Nation and the Bandido Nation list their puppet clubs on their national websites. }}</ref> Other support clubs range from local groups, such as the Undertakers MC in [[Lexington, Kentucky]],<ref name="Biker Gangs and Transnational Organized Crime">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=43vZBAAAQBAJ&dq=black+pistons+crime&pg=PT169|author=Thomas Barker|isbn=9780323298704|title=Biker Gangs and Transnational Organized Crime|date=2007|publisher=Routledge}}</ref> to regional clubs like the Chosen Few MC, which is based in Canada and Upstate New York.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider"/><ref name="Notorious Outlaws">[https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2013/09/17/notorious-outlaws-motorcycle-gang-active-jacksonville-area-prosecutor/15816162007/ Notorious Outlaws motorcycle gang active in Jacksonville area, prosecutor says] Jim Schoettler, ''[[The Florida Times-Union]]'' (September 17, 2023) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819212137/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2013/09/17/notorious-outlaws-motorcycle-gang-active-jacksonville-area-prosecutor/15816162007/ |date=August 19, 2023}}</ref> In Norway, the Outlaws oversee the Black & White Crew, a "street crew" in which members are not required to own a motorcycle.<ref name="Politijakt">[https://www.rb.no/lokale-nyheter/politijakt-pa-kriminelle-lopegutter/s/1-95-2963100 Politijakt på kriminelle løpegutter] Tanja Irén Berg, ''[[Romerikes Blad]]'' (August 29, 2007) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814220755/https://www.rb.no/lokale-nyheter/politijakt-pa-kriminelle-lopegutter/s/1-95-2963100 |date=August 14, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="Preventing organised crime">[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12117-017-9322-7#Fn21 Preventing organised crime originating from outlaw motorcycle clubs] Tore Bjørgo, [[Springer Science+Business Media]] (30 October 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929192317/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12117-017-9322-7 |date=September 29, 2022 }}</ref>

== Criminal allegations and incidents ==
{{Main|Outlaws MC criminal allegations and incidents}}

The Outlaws are classified by various law enforcement agencies in the United States as one of the "big four" [[Outlaw motorcycle club#Outlaw motorcycle clubs as criminal enterprises|motorcycle gangs]], along with the [[Bandidos Motorcycle Club|Bandidos]], the [[Hells Angels Motorcycle Club|Hells Angels]], and the [[Pagan's Motorcycle Club|Pagans]].<ref name="2005 National Gang Threat Assessment">{{cite web| url = http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/what/2005_threat_assesment.pdf| title = 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051222030209/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/what/2005_threat_assesment.pdf| archive-date = 2005-12-22}} National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (2005)</ref><ref name="Life Inside the Chicago Outlaws">[https://www.chicagomag.com/arts-culture/september-2017/peter-james-outlaw-motorcycle-club/ Life Inside the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club] Adam Morgan, ''[[Chicago (magazine)|Chicago]]'' (September 28, 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612162611/https://www.chicagomag.com/arts-culture/september-2017/peter-james-outlaw-motorcycle-club/ |date=June 12, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="Outlaws leader’s assassination">[https://www.tampabay.com/data/2019/01/10/an-outlaws-motorcycle-club-leaders-assassination-adds-to-tampa-bays-bloody-biker-gang-history/ An Outlaws motorcycle club leader’s assassination adds to Tampa Bay’s bloody biker gang history] Gabrielle Calise, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (January 10, 2019) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605120449/https://www.tampabay.com/data/2019/01/10/an-outlaws-motorcycle-club-leaders-assassination-adds-to-tampa-bays-bloody-biker-gang-history/ |date=June 5, 2023 }}</ref> The [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] contends that the club is involved in [[organized crime]], including drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, prostitution rings, weapons trafficking, and violent acts directed at rival clubs.<ref name="doj-gangunit"/><ref name="Crimes of the Big Four">[https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/crimes-big-four-motorcycle-gangs Crimes of the Big Four Motorcycle Gangs] [[Office of Justice Programs]] (April 2009) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820215813/https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/crimes-big-four-motorcycle-gangs |date=August 20, 2023 }}</ref> One recurring allegation is that the Outlaws are responsible for the production and distribution of [[methamphetamine]].<ref name="Look Homeward Angel"/><ref name="Gangs on rise">[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/09/24/outlaw-bike-gangs-said-on-rise/ Outlaw bike gangs on rise] ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (September 24, 1991) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801183104/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/09/24/outlaw-bike-gangs-said-on-rise/ |date=August 1, 2023 }}</ref> Law enforcement and intelligence agencies internationally, including the [[Criminal Intelligence Service Canada]] and [[Europol]], also consider the Outlaws a criminal organization.<ref name="OC in Canada 2003"/><ref name="Outlaw motorcycle gangs"/>

Members have continuously denied that the Outlaws are an organized crime syndicate, asserted that the club is simply a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who live a nonconventional lifestyle, and described allegations by investigators and prosecutors as exaggerated.<ref name="Prosecutors"/><ref name="Outlaws have violent history"/><ref name="Gangs on rise"/> The Outlaws' website features a statement reading: "The government has labeled the Outlaws MC a criminal organization and all {{sic|i|t's}} members as criminals simply because they are members. This is one of the most untrue and unjust statements ever made concerning our club. Each and every day {{sic|throu|gh out}} America and the World members of Law Enforcement, Religious, Fraternal organizations as well as many other groups are convicted of criminal activity. Their membership is not universally labeled as criminals".<ref name="Biker gangs test laws">[https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/opinion/columns/2005/07/26/spitz-biker-gangs-test-laws/41289673007/ Biker gangs test laws, patience] Julia Spitz, ''[[The Milford Daily News]]'' (July 26, 2005) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828172212/https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/opinion/columns/2005/07/26/spitz-biker-gangs-test-laws/41289673007/ |date=August 28, 2024 }}</ref> A saying used by members of the club is: "Outlaws we are, [[Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act|RICO]] we're not".<ref name="Prosecutors"/>

== See also ==
* [[List of outlaw motorcycle clubs]]
* [[The Bikeriders]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book |last=Barker |first=Thomas |title=Biker Gangs and Organized Crime |location=Oxfordshire |publisher=Routledge |year=2007 |isbn=9781593454067}}
* {{cite book |last1=Droban |first1=Kerrie | last2=James |first2=Peter |title=The Last Chicago Boss: My Life with the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club |location= New York City |publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=2017 |isbn=9781250105912}}
* {{cite book |last=Langton |first=Jerry |title=Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick and the Canadian Hells Angels |location=Toronto |publisher=Harper Collins |date=2006 |isbn=144342725X}}
* {{cite book |last=Langton |first=Jerry |title=Showdown: How the Outlaws, Hells Angels and Cops Fought for Control of the Streets |location= Toronto |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2010 |isbn=978-0470678787}}
* {{cite book |last1=Lavigne |first1=Yves |title=Hell's Angels: Into the Abyss |date=1996 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=New York City |isbn=9780006385707}}
* {{cite book |last=Roberts |first=Walter |title=Biker Gangs |location=London |publisher=RW Press |year=2012 |isbn=9781909284067}}
* {{cite book |last1=Schneider |first1=Stephen |title=Iced: The Story of Organized Crime in Canada |date=2009 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Toronto |isbn=978-0470835005 |edition=2nd}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.outlawsmc.com/ Outlaws Motorcycle Club American website]{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}
* [http://www.outlawsmcworld.com/ Outlaws Motorcycle Club world website]

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{{Outlaws Motorcycle Club}}
{{OutlawMotorcycleGroups}}
{{Organized crime groups in the United States}}
{{Organized crime groups in Buffalo, New York}}
{{Organized crime groups in Chicago}}
{{Organized crime in Detroit}}
{{Canadian gangs}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Outlaws Motorcycle Club}}
[[Category:Outlaws Motorcycle Club| ]]
[[Category:1935 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:McCook, Illinois]]
[[Category:Motorcycle clubs in the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1935]]
[[Category:Outlaw motorcycle clubs]]
[[Category:Underground organizations based in Chicago]]
[[Category:Gangs in Pennsylvania]]