Texas shooting has S.D. officials monitoring biker gang activity

Federal and state authorities in South Dakota are on alert ahead of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this summer after a biker gang shootout left nine people dead Sunday in Waco, Texas.

Almost 200 people were arrested and charged Monday following the shootout that also left 18 wounded.

Sturgis organizers were already expecting the 75th anniversary to be among the largest in history, and Sunday's shooting in Waco has elevated security concerns.

Law enforcement officials declined to go into detail, but indicted they will be keeping close tabs on biker gangs in the coming months.

Sturgis hasn't been immune to biker gang activity. In 2006, a spat between two rival gangs resulted in six members and associates of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club being injured in a gunfight with two Hells Angels.

"In preparation for the motorcycle rally we have been in contact with Texas authorities, so we will be aware of the latest circumstances," Attorney General Marty Jackley said.

Jackley said the state Division of Criminal Investigation will keep its command center open four more days and add an additional shift.

Daniel Ainslie, Sturgis city manager, works with other officials to put the rally on each year. He said the 75th anniversary could bring in a record-breaking amount of people.

"We are being very vigilant to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors," Ainslie said.

He said the Texas shooting won't affect the Sturgis Rally, because additional law enforcement officers were already slated to be in place due to the large crowd the event is expected to draw.

The city plans to hire officers from at least 10 different states as security, as well, Ainslie said.

Dean Kinney, president of The Home Slice Group which owns the Loud American Roadhouse in Sturgis, said the shooting in Waco was "shocking" and "awful," but he doubts a similar incident will occur in the western South Dakota city.

He said the shooting in Texas shouldn't define motorcycle enthusiasts who he said are among the most friendliest and generous crowds he knows.

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our guests," he said. "We always want to learn what we can from around the country, but I would submit that, because of better communication and just a positive overall culture and vibe, a similar incident is highly unlikely to occur at Sturgis."

The FBI will provide oversight at the Sturgis Rally.

Kyle Loven, FBI spokesman, said they will work with state agencies from security and intelligence standpoint. Loven declined to get into detail about the agency is doing to prepare for the event, but doesn't expect any serious issues to come up.

"Typically, that rally sees little to no violence," Loven said. "It's an event where motorcycle enthusiasts come to town to show off bikes to meet other folks, so historically speaking law enforcement hasn't seen any serious issues in connection with the event."