I would suggest that blatantly strawmaning someone only worsens your position (and breaks one of the HN guidelines).

They weren't "defending violent gangs" in any way, they were providing a practical example where laws were passed to try to do what you said and they obviously didn't work as expected (nor did they solve the problem).

Maybe providing another example (or proposal) would be a better way to discuss your position.

Was Tupac a violent gang member?

After all...he shot police.