On September 29, 2013, a group of motorcyclists were participating in an annual rally organized by a man named Jamie Lao.<ref name=unauthorized>{{cite news|last=Sarah|first=Matheson|title=Information Surfaces on ‘Hollywood Stuntz’ Biker Gang|url=http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/307784-information-surfaces-on-hollywood-stuntz-biker-gang/|newspaper=Epoch Times|date=October 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name=hislop>{{cite news|last=Hislop|first=Rachel|title=The man behind Hollywood Stuntz breaks his silence on brutal NYC biker SUV brawl|url=http://globalgrind.com/2013/10/07/jamie-lao-hollywood-stuntz-speaks-on-nyc-motorcycle-attack-suv-brawl-video/|newspaper=Global Grind|date=October 7, 2013}}</ref> Rallies organized by Lao in the past involved performing [[Motorcycle stunt riding|motorcycle stunts]] and an unauthorized ride through [[Times Square]]. During the 2012 ride a year prior, "Well over a thousand motorcycles, [[dirt bikes]], [[All-terrain vehicle|quads]], four-wheel vehicles" rode through Times Square.", according to New York [[Police Commissioner]] [[Raymond Kelly]]. The group did not have permits to do so.<ref name=unauthorized/><ref name="business insider">{{cite news|last=Davies|first=Alex|title=Transportation More: New York City Motorcycles New York Police Department Old Videos Show That Motorcycle Rallies In NYC Are Totally Nuts Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/videos-hollywood-stuntz-motorcycle-biker-rallies-in-nyc-2013-10#ixzz2ttMCR9RE|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/videos-hollywood-stuntz-motorcycle-biker-rallies-in-nyc-2013-10|newspaper=Business Insider|date=October 2, 201w}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/02/nyregion/motorcyclist-struck-by-suv-is-arrested-and-charged-with-reckless-behavior.html |title=2 Bikers Are Charged; Investigation Continues |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=J. David |last=Goodman |date=October 1, 2013 |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Driving through Times Square has been illegal since it was pedestrianized in 2009. Kelly reported that the altercation with Lien was not the only problem involving the group on September 29. Over 200 other people had complained to the police about the [[reckless driving]] of the bikers on [[Manhattan]]'s streets that day.<ref name=surrenders>{{cite news|title=NYPD: Biker Arrested, Another Surrenders In Attack On SUV Driver|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/10/01/nypd-suspects-sought-in-attack-on-suv-driver/|newspaper=CBS New York|date=October 1, 2013}}</ref>
