BOSTON (AP) — The leader of a cult-like group known as the Zizians, Jack Lasota, 34, and another group member, Michelle Zajko, 33, were arrested in Maryland on Sunday, according to Maryland State Police. They face several charges, including trespassing, obstructing and hindering law enforcement, and possession of a handgun in their vehicle. A bail hearing for both individuals is set for Tuesday morning at Allegany District Court.
The Zizians group has been linked to the killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland on January 20. Maland, 44, was shot during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, just 20 miles from the Canadian border. In addition to Maland’s death, the group is believed to be involved in five other homicides across Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California.
Lasota, who used the name “Ziz” for her online blog, espoused a dark and violent ideology. In her writings, Lasota discussed a controversial theory that the two hemispheres of the brain had separate values and genders that “often desire to kill each other.” Lasota, who identifies as a transgender woman and uses she/her pronouns, frequently criticized what she described as “rationalist groups” — communities focused on understanding human cognition through reason, some of which have raised concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence.
Authorities continue to investigate Lasota’s involvement in multiple violent crimes and are working to understand the extent of the Zizians’ activities.
