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A white supremacist gang Public Enemy Number One (PEN1) had become one of the fastest growing white racist gangs in Southern California and in the California prison system.
PEN1 was antisemitic and tended to hate any non-white racial group.
PEN1 hated law enforcement and government because they viewed them as Zionist organizations established to suppress Aryans.
Johnson testified that he gave a Nazi salute while in court on a separate case and referred to the courthouse as the “house of the Jews.”
The videos discussed the origins of PEN1 and its place in the skinhead movement, its efforts to recruit new members, an alliance made with the Aryan Brotherhood and Nazi Lowriders and detailed some of the violent acts committed by its members. It also displayed images of white supremacist symbols and tattoos, guns, and drugs.
As to all counts except the street terrorism charges, it also found true the allegation that the offenses were committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang with the intent to promote, further, or assist in the criminal conduct of the gang members.
A white supremacist gang member earned respect through the use of violence for the benefit of the gang. Bragging about committing a violent crime was expected. One member was expected to back up another in committing violent crimes.
In white supremacist gang culture there was “payback,” including violent sanctions, for any perceived wrong. A lengthy period could elapse between an act of disrespect and the payback. Disclosing information about the gang to outsiders or to law enforcement was seen as treasonous.
The PEN1 internal discipline process was arbitrary and ad hoc. PEN1 leaders used egregious violence to intimidate and dissuade other gang members, associates, and the general public from speaking with police or testifying in court.
Accompanied by images of prisons, tattooed prisoners exercising, white supremacist gang graffiti and tattoos, and a burning and spinning swastika, the video then discusses PEN1’s rise to influence within the prison system, explaining that with members of the Aryan Brotherhood locked away in special units at maximum security prisons, the Nazi Lowriders began running the prison yards “and calling the shots for white Nazi gangs out in the streets.”
After stating that PEN1 leaders formed alliances with the Aryan Brotherhood and Nazi Lowriders, and that they “[a]ll still embrace their white supremacist philosophy,” the video states PEN1 “are now modeling themselves into a more seasoned prison gang” with their main goal being to profit from drug sales.
In addition, substantial other evidence of PEN1’s bigotry and violent criminal activities was introduced at trial. While the Fox videos contained incendiary images of racist symbols and white supremacist emblems, there was evidence shown to the jury that Lamb had such imagery tattooed on his own body. The jury was aware Lamb had the words “blood” and “honor” with a swastika in the middle around his neck, another swastika under his right eye, yet another swastika on his right arm, a Celtic cross with “skin” tattooed on top of it, “P.D.S.” (for PEN1 Death Squad) on top of his right eye, “L.A.S.” (for Los Angeles Skins) on his left arm, “W.P.” (for white power or pride) on his back, and “Death Squad” on his leg.
People v. Lamb (2024). Supreme Court of California. Decided July 11, 2024
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