Bloods
The distinctive Blood gang signal | |
| Founded | 1972 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Sylvester Scott and Benson Owens |
| Founding location | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Territory | 33 U.S. states, 1 U.S. territory (Guam) and Canada |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly African American |
| Membership | 7,000–30,000 |
| Activities | Drug trafficking, assault, auto theft, burglary, carjacking, drive-by shootings, extortion, homicide, identity fraud, and robbery |
| Allies | |
| Rivals | |
| Notable members | |
The Bloods are a primarily African American street gang which was founded in Los Angeles, California. The gang is widely known for its rivalry with the Crips. It is identified by the red color worn by its members and by particular gang symbols, including distinctive hand signs.
The Bloods comprise various subgroups known as "sets", among which significant differences exist, such as colors, clothing, operations, and political ideas that may be in open conflict with each other. Since the gang's creation, it has branched throughout the United States.