Police seize 9 guns, make 22 arrests during Mongols biker gathering in Palm Springs
Garrett Hottle
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police say 22 people were arrested and nine guns were seized during a weekend gathering of the Mongols Motorcycle Club at Hotel Zoso in downtown Palm Springs.
Chief Andy Mills told News Channel 3 the event drew roughly 1,000 Mongols members for what he described as the club’s annual “church meeting,” where members elect a new president.
“This happens every year here in Palm Springs,” Mills said. “When you have a group that’s attuned to criminality, we’re going to have some problems.”
Mills said the department brought in support from the California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and gang task forces to maintain safety.
“We live in a capitalist society, and hotels have the right to bring people in but there’s a consequence,” Mills said. “When they invite organized-crime groups, we have to staff up and protect the community.”
The chief said his biggest concern is the potential for violence if rival groups such as the Hells Angels appear at the same time. He referenced a 2002 clash between the two clubs at Nevada’s Laughlin River Run that left three people dead.
Hotel Zoso General Manager Bill Babis told News Channel 3 no one was arrested on hotel property and said the hotel was unable to provide an interview at this time.
Palm Springs Police said the arrests stemmed mainly from traffic stops and outstanding warrants.