Aryan Brotherhood of TexasThe ABT was founded in the early 1980s when a group of white Texas inmates petitioned the California Aryan Brotherhood for permission to establish a chapter in Texas. Although the California Aryan Brotherhood refused the request, the Texas inmates still formed the ABT.
Since its founding, the ABT has made several attempts to change its name or hide behind the umbrella of a religious organization, such as the Aryan Reich or the Church of Aryan Christian Heritage. Although the gang experienced severe internal problems and a high dropout rate shortly after these unsuccessful attempts, ABT still remains a formidable group in and out of the Texas prison system.
Structure
The ABT is led by a steering committee comprised of five offenders, each of whom is responsible for a specific geographic area and maintains control of the group’s activity in and out of the prison system. The steering committee is also responsible for making all rules and regulations for the organization.
Misc.
Although the ABT uses “Aryan Brotherhood”in its name, it is not associated with prison gangs in other state and federal correctional facilities that use the same name. It is considered a Texas prison gang and uses the words “of Texas” to distinguish itself from other similar groups. It should be noted that ABT members are incarcerated in various state and federal prisons.
Tattoos
The ABT insignia or tattoo depicts a shield with a Nordic dagger running through it, the letters “A” and “B” over the top of the shield, and the words “of Texas” located under the shield. All members are given the choice to put on the tattoo or not. Many have chosen to hide or disguise their tattoos in an effort to thwart detection by correctional and law enforcement agencies.
See also: Aryan Brotherhood; AB members & associates; AB Trial 2006; Dallas Scott; Thomas Silverstein; Aryan Nations
