The Thunderguards Motorcycle Club (MC) is a prominent black one percenter motorcycle club that originated in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1965. Known for their strong affiliations with the Pagans Motorcycle Club, the Thunderguards have carved out a significant, albeit controversial, place in the outlaw biker world.
Thunderguards MC: A History Forged in Delaware
Founded in 1965 in Wilmington, Delaware, the Thunderguards MC emerged as an all-black outlaw motorcycle club during a period of significant social change in the United States. The club’s foundation was laid by a group of men, including Buckie, who is credited with naming the club “Thunderguards,” along with Junkyard, Fishman, Billy C, Charlie, Gordie, and Cuppie. Shortly after, a second wave of members, known as the “7%ers,” joined, including Big Leonard, Joe, Lensey, Marvin, Sonny, Sam, and Soulman, further solidifying the club’s early ranks.
In 1979, a pivotal moment arrived for the Thunderguards with the establishment of a formal board and the election of Sam, one of the founding members, as President. This marked a step towards a more structured organization for the growing club.
The Thunderguards MC initially held meetings at the homes of its founding members. However, as the club grew, the need for a dedicated space became apparent. In 1966, they established their first official clubhouse at 9th and Wilson in Wilmington, Delaware. Seeking larger premises, the club moved to Gordon Street in 1970, and then again in 1983 to 28th and Northeast Blvd, solidifying their presence in Wilmington.
The Thunderguards MC faced significant challenges in 2014 when the Criminal Nuisance Abatement Act was invoked in an attempt to close down their Wilmington clubhouse. Authorities cited “ongoing and violent criminal activity,” including multiple shootings, as the reason for the action.
Thunderguards MC Patch Logo
Initially agreeing to vacate their Wilmington clubhouse in May 2014, the Thunderguards MC later reconsidered. They announced plans to transform the clubhouse into a community center, aiming to mentor youth and build stronger community relationships. This proposed shift in focus highlighted the complex relationship between outlaw motorcycle clubs and the communities they inhabit.
Thunderguards MC Patch, Motto, and Colors: Symbols of Identity
The Thunderguards MC patch is strikingly simple yet impactful, featuring a red lightning bolt. Unlike many motorcycle clubs that utilize clean, sans-serif fonts, the Thunderguards opted for a more distinctive and unique lettering style for their patch. This visual identity sets them apart within the biker community.
The Thunderguards Motorcycle Club proudly proclaims the motto: “As brothers we ride, with black pride.” This motto encapsulates the core values of brotherhood and racial identity that are central to the club’s ethos.
Thunderguards MC Chapters: Expanding Across the East Coast
While the Thunderguards MC maintains a degree of secrecy regarding their full chapter network, it is known that they have established multiple chapters along the East Coast of the United States. Some of the most well-known Thunderguards MC chapters include:
- Thunderguards MC North Georgia Chapter, located in Lithonia, Georgia. This chapter represents the club’s expansion southward.
- Thunderguards MC Wilmington Chapter, Delaware, the original and founding chapter, remaining a cornerstone of the club.
- Thunderguards MC Charleston Chapter, South Carolina, further demonstrating their presence in the Southern United States.
It is widely believed that the Thunderguards MC may have additional chapters that maintain a lower profile, contributing to the club’s enigmatic image within the outlaw motorcycle club landscape.
Thunderguards MC Clubhouse Wilmington Delaware
Famous Thunderguards MC Members: Anonymity and the Outlaw Image
Unlike some motorcycle clubs, the Thunderguards MC does not have publicly recognized celebrity members. This anonymity is typical of many outlaw motorcycle clubs, who often prioritize discretion and operate outside of mainstream public attention. Their fame, or notoriety, within biker circles stems from their club activities rather than individual celebrity status.
Thunderguards MC Crime and Media Attention: A History of Incidents
The Thunderguards MC has faced scrutiny and media attention due to a series of criminal incidents, primarily linked to their Wilmington chapter:
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October 22, 2006: A search warrant executed at the Wilmington clubhouse following a shooting uncovered drugs, drug paraphernalia, and nine firearms, highlighting alleged illegal activities associated with the club.
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August 11, 2007: A man was shot in the knee in the Wilmington chapter clubhouse parking lot. The lack of identified suspects in this incident reflects the challenges law enforcement often faces in investigating outlaw motorcycle club-related crimes.
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October 27, 2007: A more serious incident occurred when one man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting adjacent to the Thunderguards Wilmington clubhouse. Reports suggested the men were in the parking lot for illicit purposes, including seeking drugs and female companionship, further fueling negative perceptions of the club.
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May 10, 2008: Another shooting outside the Wilmington clubhouse involved a man shot as he exited his car. The victim reported being approached and shot by an unknown assailant, before a Thunderguards member alerted the police. The recurring nature of these incidents near the clubhouse drew increasing law enforcement attention.
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October 11, 2012: Police wiretaps as part of an investigation into the Thunderguards revealed members arranging a cocaine transaction. Subsequent surveillance led to the buyer being tracked back to the Wilmington clubhouse, directly linking the club to drug trafficking activities.
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November 4, 2012: Police responded to reports of a gun at the Wilmington clubhouse and found two men with gunshot wounds, one of whom died. This incident further escalated concerns about violence and illegal firearms associated with the Thunderguards MC.
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November 5-6, 2012: “Operation Thunderclap”: This three-month police investigation targeted the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club’s drug trafficking activities. The operation, ironically named after a never-executed WWII mission, resulted in 10 search warrants, predominantly in New Castle County. Eight individuals were arrested, and authorities seized over 2 kilograms of cocaine (estimated at $100,000), marijuana, cash, and numerous firearms.
The individuals arrested in “Operation Thunderclap” faced a range of charges, including drug possession, intent to deliver, conspiracy, weapons offenses, and endangering the welfare of a child. The severity of charges and high bond amounts, such as the $4.5 million secured bond for Ernest E. Saunders Jr., underscored the seriousness of the alleged crimes.
Thunderguards MC in Books, Movies, and TV: Limited Media Presence
Currently, there are no known books, movies, or television shows specifically dedicated to the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club. Their media presence remains limited, contributing to their underground status. For those interested in the broader outlaw motorcycle club culture, resources such as lists of Outlaw Motorcycle Club Books offer further exploration.
Thunderguards MC Enemies and Allies: A Network of Relationships
Thunderguards MC Enemies:
While specific enemies are unconfirmed, it is highly probable that the Thunderguards MC shares some adversaries with their allies, the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Outlaw motorcycle club rivalries are often complex and can shift over time, rooted in territorial disputes, personal conflicts, and club allegiances.
Thunderguards MC Allies:
- Pagans Motorcycle Club: The Thunderguards MC’s strongest and most well-documented alliance is with the Pagans MC. This alliance suggests a degree of cooperation and mutual support between the two clubs, potentially extending to various activities and territories.
The Thunderguards Biker Club remains a significant entity within the outlaw motorcycle club world. Their history, marked by both community presence and criminal allegations, offers a complex picture of a one percenter club navigating the biker subculture and law enforcement scrutiny.
