Ep 8. Mongol Nation

In Gangland season 2 episode 8, titled Mongol Nation, viewers are taken inside the inner workings of one of the most notorious motorcycle gangs in the United States. The Mongol Nation is a group that has been involved in criminal activity for decades, with a reputation for violence and organized crime.

The episode starts with a look at the origins of the Mongol Nation, which dates back to the 1960s. We learn about the founding members and the ideals that brought them together. However, it's not long before we see that the Mongol Nation has a dark side as well. Members of the gang have been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.

One of the main focuses of the episode is the federal case against the Mongol Nation. We see interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the case, as well as footage from the courtroom. The case centered on the government's attempt to seize the Mongols' trademarked logo so that the gang would no longer be able to use it. The argument was that the logo was being used in connection with criminal activity, and therefore should be seized under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The court case became a battle over the Mongols' First Amendment rights. The gang argued that the logo was a form of expression and that the government was infringing on their free speech. The case went all the way to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ultimately sided with the Mongols. The court ruled that taking away the logo would be a violation of the gang's First Amendment rights.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to several members of the Mongol Nation. We hear their stories about how they got involved with the gang and why they continue to stay. Some of the members have been in the gang for decades, while others are relatively new.

The interviews with the members paint a complex picture of the gang. On the one hand, the members are fiercely loyal to each other and to the ideals of the gang. They see themselves as a family and have each other's backs no matter what. On the other hand, they are involved in criminal activity and are willing to resort to violence to protect their interests.

One of the most memorable moments of the episode is when we see the Mongols riding their motorcycles in a parade. The gang is known for its love of motorcycles, and the parade is a display of their pride in their bikes. We see the members revving their engines and doing tricks on their motorcycles while a crowd of onlookers cheers them on.

Overall, Gangland season 2 episode 8 provides a fascinating look into the world of the Mongol Nation. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, courtroom footage, and interviews with members of the gang, viewers get a sense of the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of the gang. The episode also touches on larger issues related to free speech and the limits of government power. Fans of true crime and documentary-style shows will find this episode to be a compelling and informative watch.