EP 158: The Lynwood Vikings

This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing the Lynwood Vikings, one of many deputy gangs of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy gangs are gangs, formed and founded, by deputies of the LASD. And, like most gangs, they involve tattoos and racism and acts of violence as a form of initiation into the gang. But unlike other gangs, these are gangs made up of law enforcement officers who are meant to serve and protect the community. These gangs enact violence on the community and – because they all believe in maintaining the blue wall of silence (AKA not snitching on another cop), their misconduct goes with them to the grave. Not only all of that: Members of these gangs have been responsible for horrific crimes, including but not limited to: beating up inmates and then filing false reports to cover it up, retaliating against whistleblowers, and even murder.

As of 2021, there were 24 known and active deputy gangs within the LASD. As of right now when we’re recording this in 2025, there continue to be at least six that we know of.

It goes without saying, but this is unacceptable. In the 2023 report that a special oversight committee put together to combat this issue, they said of these gangs, “Both historically and currently, [they] exalt the use of excessive force against civilians, harass other deputies, and undermine the chain of command within the Department. However denominated, the existence of these groups and their impact adversely affects the mission of the Department and undermines public trust in the Department.”

To summarize: We know of at least 19 people that have been killed by these gangs, all of which were men of color. We also know that, over the last fifty years, Los Angeles County (i.e., the taxpayers of Los Angeles County) have paid out some $100 million dollars in response to settlements and lawsuits related to these deputy gangs.

There are seriously so many of these gangs that we would be here for six hours if I told you specific details about all of them. So in this episode, we are more so doing an overview of these various deputy gangs and then focusing on one specific one: the Lynwood Vikings.

Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode.

Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch!

You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website!

You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social media, and stickers!

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

- Rachel and Leah

Editor: Alex Perez

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EP 23: The 1982 Tylenol Poisoning

This week on Hashtag History, we are talking about the Tylenol poisonings that occurred in 1982 and resulted in the deaths of seven innocent people. To this day, no one has been charged with the crime. Rachel and Leah discuss possible suspects, Johnson & Johnson's response to the incident, and the changes made in pharmaceutical industries as a result of this devastation. Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

21 Feb 202036min

EP 22: Who Killed Jane Stanford?

This week on Hashtag History, we are talking about Jane Stanford, the co-owner of infamous Stanford University here in California. What most people don't know though is that Jane Stanford...was murdered! Or was she? Tune into this extra special episode that includes all of Rachel's and Leah's favorite things: History (duh!), murder (DUN DUN DUN), and discussions about our hometown, Sacramento, California! Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

11 Feb 202036min

EP 21: The Jacobite Uprising of 1745

We're back for Season Three! And to kick things off, Leah is taking over this Season Premiere! This week on Hashtag History, Leah is talking all about the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 which was the last of a series of Scottish revolts against their British rulers in an effort to restore a Catholic Stewart to the English throne. Join us for some yummy drinks (and maybe some carrots?) while Leah teaches Rachel all about something in History that Rachel knows nothing about! Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

4 Feb 202045min

EP 20: The JFK Assassination, Part Two (Featuring Special Guest, Kelly Boyles)

This week on Hashtag History, we are celebrating the Season Finale of Season Two with a special two-part segment about the John F. Kennedy Assassination. We are joined by reoccurring guest, Kelly Boyles, the owner of Milk House Shakes in Old Sacramento (a coffee and milkshake shop based on U.S. Presidents). The JFK Assassination has long been one of the greatest controversies in American History...and rightfully so. In this week's episode, we conclude the story of the assassination by diving into Kennedy's death and autopsy, Lyndon B. Johnson's swearing in, the Warren Commission, and all things conspiracy theory! Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. Finally, be sure to check out Milk House Shakes in Old Sacramento for a delicious milkshake or coffee named after a U.S. President! THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

31 Dec 201944min

EP 19: The JFK Assassination, Part One (Featuring Special Guest, Kelly Boyles)

This week on Hashtag History, we are celebrating the Season Finale of Season Two with a special two-part segment about the John F. Kennedy Assassination. We are joined by reoccurring guest, Kelly Boyles, the owner of Milk House Shakes in Old Sacramento (a coffee and milkshake shop based on U.S. Presidents). The JFK Assassination has long been one of the greatest controversies in American History...and rightfully so. In this week's episode, we learn about Kennedy's upbringing, his severe medical condition, his race for the presidency, and all the details behind that infamous trip to Dallas, Texas in November of 1963. While we stick to the generally accepted facts presented by the Warren Commission in this episode, don't you worry! We dive into all things conspiracy in Part Two of the JFK Assassination coming out next week! Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. Finally, be sure to check out Milk House Shakes in Old Sacramento for a delicious milkshake or coffee named after a U.S. President! THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

24 Dec 201943min

EP 18: The RFK Assassination

This week on Hashtag History, we are talking about the lesser-known Kennedy Assassination: The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Only five years after John F. Kennedy's assassination, Robert ("Bobby") Kennedy sadly followed in his brother's footsteps. And not just in his race for the presidency; he too was assassinated by a "lone" assassin...or was he? Join us as we talk about the RFK Assassination and the many questions and conspiracy that come along with it. Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

17 Dec 201943min

EP 17: The Great Fire of Rome

This week on Hashtag History, we are talking about the Great Fire of Rome that occurred in 64 AD and wiped out a third of the City! Who was responsible for the fire? Christians? Nero? Or could the whole fire have been accidental? Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

10 Dec 201933min

EP 16: The Winchester Mystery House

This week on Hashtag History, we are debunking the many myths of the Winchester Mystery House constructed by Sarah Winchester for a non-stop thirty-eight years! Rachel took a tour to the infamous Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California and reports back on her first-hand experiences, some hardcore history truths, and the long-standing myths and rumors that have surrounded Mrs. Winchester's mysterious house for hundreds of years. Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at HashtagHistory-Pod.com. THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah

3 Dec 201947min

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