FBI and local law enforcement have arrested 28 Mongols motorcycle gang members after bullets flew around innocent bystanders at a Florida gas station during Bike Week, with one suspect found to be in the country illegally.
Key Takeaways
- 28 members of the Mongols motorcycle gang were arrested in connection with a March shooting at a New Smyrna Beach gas station during Bike Week in a massive operation dubbed “Mongolian Beef.”
- The arrests followed extensive investigation including cell phone video evidence that identified seven armed individuals, with four who fired weapons during the public shootout.
- Law enforcement executed 14 search warrants across multiple locations, seizing 30 handguns and 15 long guns while targeting the gang’s clubhouse in Edgewater, Florida.
- One of the arrested gang members, Pablo Jorge Cardoza Baptista, was in the country illegally, highlighting ongoing concerns about criminal activity among those not lawfully present.
- Three additional gang members remain at large with active arrest warrants as authorities continue their crackdown on outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Major Multi-Agency Operation Takes Down Violent Gang Members
The FBI Jacksonville Division, in coordination with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, launched “Operation Mongolian Beef” resulting in the arrests of 28 Mongols motorcycle gang members. The operation targeted individuals involved in a March 8, 2025, shootout at a New Smyrna Beach gas station during the annual Bike Week festivities. All suspects face aggravated rioting charges, a second-degree felony in Florida that carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison. The coordinated effort involved extensive resources across multiple law enforcement agencies working together to dismantle what authorities describe as a dangerous criminal organization.
“More than two dozen alleged members of an outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting at a Florida gas station in March, the FBI’s Jacksonville office announced on July 2,” according to the FBI’s Jacksonville office.
Public Safety Threat Neutralized After Dangerous Shootout
The March incident occurred at a crowded gas station where innocent bystanders, including children, were present when the violence erupted. Using cellphone video evidence, investigators identified seven armed individuals, including four who fired guns during the altercation. Three of these shooters were previously linked to a shooting in Titusville, demonstrating a pattern of violent behavior. Law enforcement executed 14 search warrants at various locations including the Mongols Clubhouse in Edgewater and multiple homes across several counties, recovering an arsenal of weapons – 30 handguns and 15 long guns – removing dangerous firearms from the hands of known violent offenders.
“Bullets were flying… innocent people were there, children — a busy, busy, busy day” stated Mike Chitwood.
“Can you imagine what it would be like to be filling your car up with gas or taking your grandkids by the hand and walking them into a gas station and all of a sudden fighting and gunfire erupts?,” stated Attorney R.J. Larizza.
Illegal Immigration Connection Raises National Security Concerns
Among those arrested was Pablo Jorge Cardoza Baptista, who was found to be in the country illegally. This disturbing revelation highlights the ongoing national security threat posed by our open southern border under the Biden-Harris administration. Criminal organizations are increasingly recruiting illegal immigrants who have no legal status and nothing to lose. The presence of illegal aliens in violent gang activity reinforces President Trump’s emphasis on securing our borders and protecting American communities from foreign criminals who shouldn’t be in the country in the first place.
“The FBI has made a commitment to all Americans that we will crush violent crime across the country. I’m proud to share that the FBI is delivering our commitment to you here in Florida. Operation Mongolian Beef is just one example of how the FBI brings our full force of investigative capabilities to assist our law enforcement partners and protect our communities. There is no doubt Volusia County and, in fact, the entire state of Florida is safer today with these violent offenders off the street,” said Jason Carley, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge.
Strong Law Enforcement Response Sends Clear Message
Local authorities have taken a strong stance against outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in Florida. Sheriff Mike Chitwood has issued stern warnings to criminal motorcycle gangs to avoid Volusia County, promising swift and decisive action against those who bring violence to the community. The operation’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts under supportive leadership. However, the investigation revealed concerning developments in the growth of motorcycle gangs across Florida, with both the Mongols and Pagans reportedly expanding their presence in the state, requiring continued vigilance from law enforcement agencies.
“Now I’ll tell you we are dealing with a lot of scumbags here and I’m going to add that magistrate to that list. Somebody came into our community and destroyed it and some magistrate in Virginia says this ain’t serious enough,” said Mike Chitwood, Volusia Sheriff.
“If you come here, and you show your [expletive], we’re going to show ours” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood
Ongoing Pursuit of Justice Continues
Despite the successful apprehension of 28 gang members, authorities are still actively searching for three additional suspects who remain at large with active arrest warrants. Law enforcement officials have expressed frustration with a Virginia magistrate who released one suspect, Timothy Adam Stephens, on bond despite the serious nature of the charges. This highlights the challenges faced by police when judicial officials fail to recognize the gravity of violent criminal activity. The operation also revealed that two members of another motorcycle gang, the Warlocks, were shot during the incident but sustained minor injuries and refused to cooperate with authorities.
“Today we stand united with one clear message. We will not tolerate violent crime in our communities. And we are taking action to protect you,” stated Jason Carley, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge.
