Members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas prison gang like tattoos. Nazi flags, swastikas, iron eagles, and Schutzstaffel “SS” lightening bolts are popular. But one design in particular, called the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas patch, according to federal court documents, is of particular significance. The patch’s shape and design can vary, but it usually includes a shield, a sword, a swastika, and a crown, with the letters “A” and “B” along with the Nazi “SS” above the shield and the word “Texas” below. The patch can only be worn by “fully made” members of the gang, who generally ascend to that status by committing a “blood-tie” on behalf of the gang. In other words: aggravated assault or murder.The recent killings of two prosecutors in Kaufman County, Texas has resulted in a spate of media reports about the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, which the Anti-Defamation League last year called the “most vioÂlent extremÂist group in the United States.” While no material evidence has been found linking the gang to the murders, the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office was part of a multi-agency task force that worked on a large racketeering case targeting the group. And law enforcement officials investigating the killing have been conducting interviews with members of the gang.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://talkingpointsmemo.com/?p=90546