The Police Footage From the Massive Waco Biker Shootout Is Insane

It’s like a scene out of Sons of Anarchy on steroids. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izKTuJXTJmc

The now-infamous massive gunfight that broke out on May 17, 2015 in the Waco, Texas Twin Peaks restaurant ended with nine dead, 18 injured, and more than 170 bikers in handcuffs. KXAN-TV reported that members of the Cossacks and Bandidos “gathered for a planned meeting in the restaurant’s outdoor bar area,” but the reason why has never been clear.

In the CNN video report, a Waco police official expresses his belief both sides had ill intent — yet KXAN reported that to this day, no one has been charged in connection with the shooting deaths. The only charges leveled have been vague allegations of “organized criminal activity.”

As the video demonstrates, it was clear many of the bikers within view of the surveillance cameras knew something was up and were being watchful, and several were immediately ready for combat the moment shots were fired. It’s riveting and unnerving viewing. 

The shootout as a whole, however, remains something of a mystery. Waco investigators haven’t revealed any details as to who shot whom or what they know about the spark that started it all — or, perhaps most important to the families of the men who died, who fired the fatal shots? Police on-scene exchanged gunfire with the bikers as well.

Restaurants like Twin Peaks are for fun and hanging out, not old west style gun battles. Let’s hope they stay that way.