Fans of the rap duo Insane Clown Posse have been placed on the FBI's list of new criminal gangs.
And the fans -- who call themselves Juggalos -- are none too pleased by the designation.
The Insane Clown Posse duo out of Detroit performs hardcore hip hop they call horrorcore, and is known for its live performances. Juggalos, much like Insane Clown Posse, are known for wearing face paint, drinking Faygo sodas and for their annual ‘Gathering Of The Juggalos' celebration.
But the FBI 2011's National Gang Threat Assessment Report called the Juggalos a "concern to law enforcement" after becoming alarmed by their "general destructive and violent nature," according to the report.
"Most crimes committed by Juggalos are sporadic, disorganized, individualistic and often involve a simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft, and vandalism," according to the report.
However, the report says, a small number of Juggalos are forming more organized groups and engaging in more gang-like criminal activity "such as felony assaults, thefts, robberies, and drug sales."
According to the report, Juggalos have been tied to a string of recent crimes, including a shooting in January and the assault of a homeless man last year. "Transient, criminal Juggalo groups pose a threat to communities due to the potential for violence, drug use/sales, and their general destructive and violent nature," according to the report.
More than 200 Juggalos have signed an online petition protesting the classification and asking the FBI to reverse their decision.
"I have been a proud Juggalo for many years. Now I'm tired of being labeled as a gang member. I work long hours and live an everyday life, just like a normal individual. I think the Constitution gives us a perfect legal right to be part of a society that views different beliefs," wrote petitioner Jasper Beal.
Another petitioner, Keith Myers, wrote: "I am a dad, I am a son, I am a college student, I am a JUGGALO, I am NOT a gang member."
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