Waco biker gang shootout: 192 arrested

Those under arrest will face charges of engaging in organised crime, police said in a statement.

The gunfight erupted shortly after noon on Sunday at a busy Waco shopping centre along Interstate 35 that draws a large lunchtime crowd.

Waco police said eight people died at Twin Peaks restaurant, the scene of the shooting, and another person died in hospital.

The nine killed were all members of biker gangs, according to police, as were the 18 people who were taken to hospitals with injuries that included stab and gunshot wounds.

‘Very gruesome’

Describing the scene, Waco police sergeant Patrick Swanton said: “It was a very gruesome, very violent crime scene. You could tell that there were numerous rounds exchanges. I saw everything from pistol casings, to rifle casings. I saw knives, I saw a club. It was just a very violent crime scene.

There were pools of blood, there were streams of blood, there was blood splatter. Sergeant Patrick Swanton, Waco police

“There were pools of blood, there were streams of blood, there was blood splatter, where peole were trying to leave the scene that were injured.

“Probably one of the most violent, gruesome crime scenes I have ever seen in 35 years of service.”

Bathroom dispute

Police said at least five rival gangs gathered at Twin Peaks for a meeting that focused on turf and recruitment, two areas where the groups have often clashed.

Preliminary findings indicate a dispute broke out in a bathroom and then spilled into the restaurant where it escalated to include knives and firearms, said police.

There were 150 to 200 gang members inside the restaurant at the time.