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Five Things to Know About the Texas Biker Brawl

AP

A brawl that broke out Sunday between rival biker gangs in Waco, Texas, left nine people dead and several injured. Police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton called the shootout "one of the most violent scenes I've seen in my 34 years as a police officer in Waco."

Here are five things to know about the violent shootout.

1. There were at least five gangs involved in the shooting.

Waco Shooting
AP

CNN reports that police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said, "There were at least three rival gang groups here this morning for whatever reason. As they were here, we had officers on scene. We expected issues." Later, Swanton said there were at least five gangs involved.

2. Police arrested nearly 200 people following the shootout.

AP
AP

Police arrested 192 members of the motorcycle gangs involved in the shootout, according to a local CBS News station. All the member arrested were charged with "engaging in organized criminal activity."

3. The violence took place in the early afternoon at a busy shopping center.

Waco Shooting
AP

The gangs met at a Twin Peaks restaurant to settle a dispute, according to Fox News. The shopping center nearby was full of people.

4. No bystanders or police officers were injured in the shooting.

Waco Shooting
AP

The Dallas Morning News reports that no bystanders were injured during the violent brawl, although bullets hit several cars in the parking lot. Gang members also used chains, brass knuckles, knives, and clubs in addition to firearms.

5. Authorities were concerned about violence between the gangs for weeks.

AP
AP

The Wall Street Journal reports that authorities were concerned about violence prior to the shootout. The Twin Peaks restaurant where the brawl took place continued to hold biker events despite warnings from the police. A Twin Peaks spokesman told the Journal that the company could revoke the franchise agreement for the Waco location.