'Credible Threat' Warning Issued That Gangs Might Target Wilmington Police and Others Across the Country

The Baltimore Police Department has issue a national alert warning law enforcement agencies across the country, including Massachusetts about a credible threat that gang members may be organizing to “take out” police officers.

The threat notification was issued earlier this morning and sent to the NLETS system. Police also requested media outlets share the information with the public.

The alert noted that the department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit had received “credible information that members of various gangs, including the Black Guerrilla Family, Bloods, and Crips, have entered into a partnership to ‘take-out’ law enforcement officers.”

The alert called the partnership “a credible threat” and advised that officers should take precautions to protect themselves.

Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis said on Monday all officers in the Wilmington Police Department have been notified of this information and have been asked to remain vigilant both on and off duty.

“Although we have received the information from the City of Baltimore, the origins and details of the information they transmitted is vague and non-specific,” Begonis says. “The job of a police officer is extremely difficult and comes with substantial risk, often in emergent circumstances and without the benefit 20/20 hindsight. I trust our officers will prepare themselves appropriately and carry out their duties with professionalism.”

The unrest in Baltimore is due to the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old man who died in police custody on April 19, 2015, after a spinal injury, which prompted anti-police brutality demonstrations and clashes with police.