Consider that he is likely in the gang to protect his little siblings. You don't even want to know what happens to a younger sister when their older brother do

Consider that he is likely in the gang to protect his little siblings. You don't even want to know what happens to a younger sister when their older brother doesn't join a gang for protection. And if he didn't attack you... well let's just say gangs can be very creative in their methods of punishment. If anything, the low level flunky has far more to lose than just a pay check, so if anything, their behavior would be more justified (if you go with the logic).