Latest news with #RickCiarniello
Toronto Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Hundreds of Hells Angels, affiliates attend memorial for original B.C. member
A large gathering of Hells Angels rode from Coquitlam to Surrey as part of a memorial event for their longtime spokesperson Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hundreds of Hells Angels from across Canada, their puppet clubs, friends and family gathered at a Surrey banquet hall Thursday to pay tribute to longtime biker gang spokesman Rickey Wayne Ciarniello. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Ciarniello died March 13 — two days after his 80th birthday. He was an original member of the B.C. Hells Angels, patching over from the Satan's Angels when the notorious biker gang formed in this province in July 1983. Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello June 12, 2025. Ciarniello was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG SHells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Full Screen is not supported on this browser version. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For over 40 years, he was the public face of his 'club,' testifying in court and doing his best to publicly contradict police warnings that the group is a criminal organization. Ciarniello was a member of the Vancouver chapter and lived beside its clubhouse on Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam. It was there Thursday morning that his brethren met, all wearing their black leather vests and back patches indicating whether they were Hells Angels or belonged to affiliated puppet clubs. About 300 Harley riders then left Coquitlam at about 11:30 a.m., riding in formation onto Highway 1, then over the Port Mann Bridge, arriving a short time later at the Aria Banquet Hall. Others arrived by car, taxi or chartered bus to Ciarniello's celebration of life. Red and white banners marked with AFFA — Angels Forever, Forever Angels — had been placed at the banquet hall entrance. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said close to 1,000 people attended the event for Ciarniello. Dozens of police officers from several Lower Mainland agencies were also outside monitoring and snapping photographs of those arriving. Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Houghton said the memorial was one of the largest for a B.C. Hells Angel, though slightly smaller than the crowds that attended the 2021 funeral for Michael (Spike) Hadden in Langley and those at Bob Green's 2016 celebration of life in Vancouver. He said the large police presence was mainly for public safety given that members of the criminal organization have been convicted of committing acts of violence and have also been targeted in B.C.'s gang war. 'So on both sides, you have Hells Angels members and members of their puppet clubs — both committing and being victims of violence,' said Houghton. 'And what we want to make sure is that nothing happens in the City of Surrey or around the Lower Mainland this weekend.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He said many of those attending the memorial are visiting Metro Vancouver through the weekend and will likely be noticed by the public. 'Surrey police will be working with our partners at (the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit) and the various RCMP detachments from around the region, as well as municipal police officers from Delta, Vancouver, Port Moody and others, just to make sure it's safe for anyone who's out this weekend,' Houghton said. No high-profile members of the Wolfpack gang coalition or the Brothers Keepers — both of which have Hells Angels connections — were seen at Ciarniello's memorial. But legendary Ontario Hells Angel Walter Stadnick, now 72, attended. He was convicted in Quebec in 2004 on several organized crime charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. Stadnick was once the Canadian president of the biker gang. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A wreath for for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello is carried to the memorial on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Full-patch members from every Canadian province could be seen arriving, as well as puppet clubs from across B.C. like the Grim Reapers, the Savages, the Devil's Army, the Jesters, the Horsemen and the Commandos. The Sinful Kings were on parking duty, directing cars and motorcycles to a lot across from the banquet hall. Houghton said 'there has been an expansion of puppet clubs and puppet club members over recent years.' The Hells Angels see the affiliated clubs as both 'a recruiting drive and succession planning for them.' 'The older generation that were the first group of Hells Angels to come in the '80s and early '90s are now aging and retiring out. So in order for them to keep their program and their enterprise and their criminal organization going, they need that next generation,' Houghton said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The puppet clubs are like farm teams for the Hells Angels, doing their dirty work, but also offering potential future recruits for the older gang. 'Some of their members do go on to join the formal HA program,' he said. Police watch over the memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG It's unclear who the Hells Angels have appointed to replace Ciarniello as spokesman. When he testified in the long-running civil forfeiture lawsuit over the seizure of three clubhouses, Ciarniello said it was the 'brotherhood' that attracted him to the Hells Angels. A 2020 B.C. Supreme Court ruling recounted what Ciarniello said: 'He testified that when he was a single parent he suffered a bad motorcycle accident in 1989 because of which he could not work. He said that during his recovery his chapter 'brothers' paid for all of his rent and groceries and never sought repayment.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. kbolan@ @ B.C. Hells Angels recap: Motorcycle procession for Rick Ciarniello Postmedia reporter Kim Bolan covered the procession on Thursday, June 12, here's a recap of her updates: 1 p.m.: Memorial set to begin for Rick Ciarniello Leaving the memorial service now as everyone is inside. Event is expected to last till 5. Surrey Police Lindsey Houghton says police presence is to ensure everyone's safety as HA have perpetrated/been victims of violence. — Kim Bolan (@kbolan) June 12, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A number of Hells Angels members from Alberta have arrived to the Aria Banquet and Convention Centre in Surrey. Other members can be seen co-ordinating traffic and parking in the area. Sinful Kings doing parking duty at funeral for late Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello. Alberta Hells Angels have arrived at the Aria banquet hall in Surrey. — Kim Bolan (@kbolan) June 12, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Hells Angels procession is set to depart their Coquitlam clubhouse on Thursday around 11:30 a.m. before winding its way to a Surrey banquet hall, for an approximate 12:15 p.m. arrival. Once there, the group will likely remain at the banquet hall for several hours. Updates from Wednesday, June 11 Police on alert as Hells Angels motorcycle gang members gather in Surrey Police in Surrey are advising the public that a large gathering of Hells Angels will be travelling through the city on Thursday as they come to Metro Vancouver for the funeral of the outlaw motorcycle gang's longtime spokesperson. More than 700 bikers are expected to be part of a motorcycle procession starting in Coquitlam at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday as part of memorial events for Rick Ciarniello, who died a few months ago. The motorcyclists are expected to be in and around the Surrey area through Sunday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read more here. Previous: Original B.C. Hells Angel and longtime gang spokesman dies For more than 40 years, Ricky Ciarniello was the public face and voice of B.C.'s notorious Hells Angels motorcycle gang. He testified in court for his beloved club. He held news conferences to contradict police who warned the group was a criminal organization. And he was greeted like a celebrity at major biker events, like the July 2023 40th anniversary party in Langley. Ciarniello died recently after a lengthy illness, prompting tributes across underworld social-media accounts. He had just turned 80 on March 11. Read more here. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Columnists
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Hundreds gather for funeral of prominent Hells Angel in Surrey, B.C.
A pamphlet distributed at the funeral of Hells Angel Ricky Ciarniello is seen in this image. Roars of engines filled the air as hundreds of Hells Angels from across Canada descended on the Lower Mainland on Thursday for the celebration of life of a prominent member. Rick Ciarniello, who was the motorcycle gang's longtime spokesman, died in March. Police estimate 1,000 motorcyclists arrived at the banquet hall in Surrey hosting the event, with roughly 500 additional guests. And while police might not have been on the guest list, that didn't stop them from coming to watch and document the proceedings. 'These events are important to police not just in terms of seeing who's attending, but it's really important for us to see who's associating with each other,' Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton with the Surrey Police Service told reporters outside the gathering. 'Affiliations in the outlaw motorcycle gang world are really important for police to see who's being supported by who.' The event featured members from the gang and affiliated organizations – as well as friends and family. Warm handshakes and hugs were in stark contrast to the headlines over the years about civil forfeiture and criminal prosecutions. And while police acknowledge the bikers will be around for a few days – they insist the public has nothing to be worried about. 'People are quite safe,' Houghton said. 'There's nothing to be concerned about. If you see large groups of bikers, there's probably a very good chance that police are nearby.' Police expect many of the bikers to stay in Surrey and the surrounding area through the weekend.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Photos: Hells Angels memorial procession in Metro Vancouver
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello June 12, 2025. Ciarniello was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Hells Angels motorcycle club members and affiliated club members attend a memorial for longtime Hells Angel Rick Ciarniello at both their clubhouse in Coquitlam and at the Aria Banquet Hall in Surrey on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ciarniello, who passed away recently, was the spokesperson for the club and was an active member since the 1970s. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Full Screen is not supported on this browser version. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. A large gathering of Hells Angels rode from Coquitlam to Surrey as part of a memorial event for Rick Ciarniello, a longtime spokesperson for the outlaw motorcycle gang.
CBC
2 days ago
- CBC
Procession of over 700 Hells Angels bikers expected to snarl Surrey traffic as members gather for memorial
Social Sharing Police say more than 700 Hells Angels bikers are expected to ride from Coquitlam to Surrey, B.C., on Thursday as members gather in the area for a founding member's celebration of life. The Surrey Police Service is alerting the public that there will be a "significant outlaw motorcycle gang presence" around the city from Thursday to Sunday. The gathering is to pay respect to Rick Ciarniello, one of the original Hells Angels in B.C., Surrey RCMP Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told CBC News. Ciarniello died at age 80 in New Westminster on March 13, according to an obituary published in the Vancouver Sun. Houghton said this week's event could be one of the largest gatherings of outlaw motorcycle gang members the province has ever seen. Police expect the procession to begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Coquitlam and end at a banquet hall in the 12300 block of Patullo Place in Surrey. Delays are anticipated in parts of Surrey between 11:30 a.m. and noon on Thursday for traffic headed northbound from Highway 1 on Highway 15, Highway 17 to Bridgeview Drive, Bridgeview Drive to King George Boulevard, and King George Boulevard to 120 Street. Police will monitor many of the major intersections in the area "to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians," Surrey police said in a news release. Police will also staff additional officers through the weekend, particularly at bars and restaurants in Surrey, "to prevent any gang-related incidents."
National Post
2 days ago
- National Post
Police on alert as Hells Angels motorcycle gang members gather in Surrey
Article content Police in Surrey are advising the public that a large gathering of Hells Angels will be travelling through the city on Thursday as they come to Metro Vancouver for the funeral of the outlaw motorcycle gang's longtime spokesperson. Article content More than 700 bikers are expected to be part of a motorcycle procession starting in Coquitlam at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday as part of memorial events for Rick Ciarniello, who died a few months ago. The motorcyclists are expected to be in and around the Surrey area through Sunday. Article content Article content Article content Police say they will be monitoring the procession as it winds its way to a banquet hall in the 12300-block of Pattullo Place in Surrey. Article content Article content Motorists are advised it will likely cause traffic delays at intersections and along the route through Surrey late Thursday morning. Northbound traffic on Highway 1, Hwy. 15 and Hwy. 17 to Bridgeview Drive, on King George Boulevard and 120th Street, will be affected. Article content 'Police will be at many of the major intersections to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians who may find themselves in the area at the time,' said SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton in a statement. 'The delays are expected to last until approximately noon as the motorcyclists progress through their route.' Article content Additional officers will be working Thursday through Sunday to keep an eye on the gathering, 'with special attention paid to restaurants and bars throughout Surrey to prevent any gang-related incidents,' said Houghton. Article content Article content
