Hells Angels confirm World Run in Laconia

OFF THE WIRE
By JOHN KOZIOL
jkoziol@citizen.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It's official. The city next summer will be host to the annual, international gathering of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, known as the World Run.

On Thursday, P. Scott Bratton, the legal representative of the Hells Angels which, in New Hampshire have chartered chapters in Manchester and Laconia, confirmed what The Citizen first reported on Oct. 7: that the World Run, which took place here in 2003, will be back in 2011.

"A World Run will take place in Laconia," said Bratton, adding that it would be centered on the club's Laconia clubhouse on Fillmore Avenue in The Weirs. The 2011 World Run will begin on July 27 and go through July 31, a Sunday.

"We expect approximately 2,000 Hells Angels to attend with their families who will be vacationing at the lake and we see it as a positive event for the community since it will financially benefit local merchants and retailers," said Bratton.

In addition to announcing the details of the upcoming World Run, Bratton on Thursday afternoon pointed out that last week's article in The Citizen contained an error. The article quoted Belknap County Sheriff Craig Wiggin saying that he, like Laconia Police Chief Mike Moyer, did not expect many problems during the World Run next year. Wiggin did say, however, that his and other law enforcement entities were concerned about "people trying to make a name for themselves" who may provoke an incident with the Hells Angels, or the Hells Angels coming into contact with members of rival clubs, as he said happened this past April at a pizzeria in Manchester.

The article stated that an innocent bystander was shot by a prospective club member. Bratton stressed that the alleged shooter "was not a member of the Hells Angels or a prospect or even a friend or an affiliate who was involved" in the shooting.

Also on Thursday, Moyer said Laconia police have been speaking with the Hells Angels about the World Run and have been planning for the event. Authorities say the World Run each year brings together two representatives from every Hells Angels chapter for what is described as a business meeting.

Following the 2003 World Run, the Hells Angels through Bratton thanked residents of the city and the Lakes Region for their "respectful hospitality." He said, "Most would agree that the event was a success, including the Hells Angels, local merchants, the law enforcement community and, importantly, the citizens of the Lakes Region."