Residents of South Central Los Angeles are reported to be terrified by rumours on social media that gangs responsible for many murders in the neighbourhood are embarking on an orgy of killing in revenge for the death of a former member.
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A criminology professor at Arizona State University – who has studied social media’s effects on gang activity – says the #100days100nights hashtag is likely an intimidation tactic for rivaling groups.
Only this weekend one man was shot dead and 12 more were wounded following a series of shootings in the 77th Street district.
The South L.A.’s station Sheriff’s Capt. Steven J.
Meanwhile, a vast number of people are tagging pictures and videos with the hashtag to express support for the movement.
The chief suggested that the posts were probably being made by people who have no involvement in any activity in the area.
Although there’s no concrete evidence available as of yet, law enforcement officials are taking the posts very seriously.
“You’ve got everyday folks who have nothing to do with the gang lifestyle and culture scared”, Deputy Chief Bill Scott told the LA Times. “What we’re doing is chasing it down through social media, but what we’re finding it’s circular”.
The challenge was issued last week after the slaying of “KP”, a member the Rollin 100 gang.
Loved ones of the slain “KP” said he was a single dad with only loose gang affiliations.
“It’s making him look like a bad person”. “This situation may just be a bunch of hype”. That’s the challenge posed between L.A. gangs on Twitter using the hashtag #100Days100Nights.
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In addition to that, #100days100nights highlights the changing trend of gangs with street presences moving their feuds to the battlegrounds of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
