The Aryan Brotherhood, a deadly prison gang with a notorious reputation, is the focus of this episode. Known for their violent ways, the Aryan Brotherhood was established in 1964 at San Quentin State Prison by Irish immigrants. Their formation was a direct response to prison desegregation, and they quickly adopted a white supremacist ideology. Despite their racist beliefs, the gang has pragmatically collaborated with other races, most notably the Mexican Mafia, in pursuit of their criminal objectives.
The gang’s motto, “blood in, blood out,” reflects the brutal nature of their initiation rituals, which involve committing violent acts as a prerequisite for membership. With an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 members, the Aryan Brotherhood exerts influence both inside and outside prison walls. Their criminal activities are wide-ranging, including extortion, drug trafficking, and prostitution, in addition to their involvement in numerous murders.
The federal government has attempted to disrupt their operations through racketeering and drug charges, but the gang’s resilient structure has proven challenging to dismantle. Despite comprising only a small percentage of the prison population, the Aryan Brotherhood is responsible for a disproportionately high number of prison murders, cementing their status as one of the most dangerous and influential gangs in the United States.
Gangland Chronicles: The Aryan Brotherhood airs Monday, 16 September 2024, at 10:03 PM on History.
