DAYTONA BEACH, FL — July 2, 2025 — In one of the largest coordinated law enforcement efforts in recent years, authorities arrested twenty-eight members of the Mongols motorcycle gang today, following a joint operation spearheaded by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit.
The charges stem from a violent gas station shooting that occurred in New Smyrna Beach during the annual Bike Week festivities on March 8, 2025. Officials have labeled the incident as aggravated rioting, a second-degree felony carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
🔒 In Custody & Arrest Warrants Issued
Authorities confirmed that 28 individuals were taken into custody, with 3 additional suspects—Gary Bedsaul, Trevor Kopp, and Mario Silvestri—still at large. One individual, Clinton Neal Walker, had previously been arrested in connection to the same shooting.
🏠 Search Warrants Executed Across 6 Counties & 4 States
This morning, law enforcement executed 14 search warrants spanning numerous Florida counties, including Volusia, Brevard, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Polk, as well as Chesterfield County, Virginia. One key location targeted was the Mongols Clubhouse in Edgewater.
⚖️ Agencies Involved in the Operation
The operation involved an extensive coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, including:
- Multiple FBI field offices (Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Richmond, Newark, Columbia, Charlotte)
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Sheriff’s Offices from over a dozen Florida counties
- Police departments from cities such as DeLand, Orlando, Palm Bay, Titusville, and more
📣 Officials Speak Out
At a press conference today, Sheriff Mike Chitwood, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent Jason Carley, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier underscored the significance of the crackdown and emphasized their commitment to curbing gang-related violence throughout the region.
🔎 Ongoing Investigation
Authorities indicated that the case remains active and evolving. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation deepens.
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