MS- 13 Mara Salvatrucha

MS-13 initiation poses a threat to First Responders across the nation.

This information I have heard for the past few hours now. I have researched it online to insure that I am spreading credible information and not some urban legend. MS 13 stands for the gang Mara Salvatrucha. Bio information here. The gang is comprised of mostly hispanics, although there are reports of all different races being involved.

Most of the Salvadorian refugees settled in the established Hispanic neighborhoods of the "Rampart" area of Los Angeles. However, Salvadorians were not readily accepted into the Los Angeles Hispanic community, and were frequently targeted by local Hispanic gangs. As a result, in the late 1980s, some refugees and refugee members of La Mara and FMNL (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front) formed what is now known as the Mara Salvatrucha (MS) street gang in Los Angeles. Like many other street gangs, MS initially formed for protection, but quickly developed a reputation for being organized and extremely violent. MS membership continues to be fed by refugees from groups like FMNL.

From what I understand the gang is possibly here in Roanoke. Word has been passed on from the Richmond PD to the Roanoke PD about this gang activity. The gangs are actively "ranking" the new members. This is believed to be an initiation type activity. This poses many issues to the First Responders in the area. First of all, there is a possibility of more violence in the area. Secondly and more importantly it is reported that one activity during "ranking" is to harm a Police Officer, Firefighter, and/or EMT. It is also reported to me that you should be on alert if around these suspected gang members if they take off their hats, unbutton their shirts, and/or speak of fighting. This threat is reported to be in effect for the next three nights. Hopefully the Firefighters/EMT's in the area will not be effected by these activities. Although I thought it warranted a mention to the readership of the blog. Knowledge is power, and as long as we are informed we can respond safely, do our jobs, and go home in the morning.

If you have anything to add to assist in understanding this threat please let me know.