Police Arrest Apparent Leader of Cultlike 'Zizian' Group Linked to Multiple Killings in the US.

Authorities in Maryland arrested the apparent leader of the cultlike group known as the Zizians on Sunday, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation tied to multiple killings across the United States. Jack Lasota, 34, and Michelle Zajko, 33, of Media, Pennsylvania, were arrested on various charges including trespassing, obstructing justice, and possession of a handgun in a vehicle. The two are scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday at Allegany District Court.

The Zizians, a group with anarchist beliefs, have been linked to several homicides, including the tragic shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in January. Maland, 44, was fatally shot in a violent encounter during a traffic stop near Coventry, Vermont, which led to a shootout on January 20, 2023. Officials believe the group may be behind not only Maland's death but also five other murders across Vermont, California, and Pennsylvania.

The Cultlike Group and Its Violent Beliefs

The Zizians, which appear to have formed online, consist primarily of highly intelligent computer scientists in their 20s and 30s. According to reports from the Associated Press, their online postings often delve into anarchist philosophies, radical veganism, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of gender identity and violence. At the center of this disturbing group is “Ziz”, the figurehead who has reportedly been seen near multiple crime scenes and is closely linked to various suspects.

One of the group's central figures, Jack Lasota, who identifies as a transgender woman and uses she/her pronouns, maintained a dark blog under the name Ziz. In her writings, Lasota shared radical theories, one of which included the concept that the two hemispheres of the brain hold separate, often conflicting values and genders. She also espoused violent ideologies, describing a desire to cause harm to perceived "enemies," including rationalist groups that focus on understanding human cognition. The connection between these writings and the crimes the group is alleged to have committed remains a key aspect of the investigation.

Before her recent arrest, Lasota had missed court appearances in multiple states, leading to bench warrants for her arrest. Her attorney, Daniel McGarrigle, declined to comment on the case when reached by the Associated Press, only confirming his representation of Lasota.

The Tragic Death of Border Patrol Agent David Maland

The case involving Lasota and her group escalated following the January 20 shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland. On that day, Maland was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91, approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border in Coventry, Vermont. According to reports, the suspect, a German national, was also killed, and another individual was injured and taken into custody. The incident temporarily closed part of I-91, a vital route linking Vermont to Canada.

Maland, who was assigned to the Swanton Sector of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was the first Border Patrol agent to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty since Javier Vega Jr. in 2014. Maland’s death sent shockwaves through his community, especially in Orleans County, where local officials mourned the loss of a dedicated law enforcement officer. Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont and Sen. Russ Ingalls expressed their condolences, highlighting the tragedy of Maland's death.

Vincent Illuzzi, the state’s attorney in Essex County, drove past the scene of the traffic stop on I-91 on the afternoon of the shooting. He described seeing the law enforcement vehicles and observing what appeared to be a routine stop. It was only later that evening that the fatal shooting and investigation unfolded.

Connections to Other Murders

Investigators have connected the Zizians to multiple other murders in different states, suggesting that the group’s reach and violence may be broader than initially suspected. These include homicides in Vermont, California, and Pennsylvania, though details remain scarce as the investigation unfolds. The motives behind these killings remain unclear, but investigators are examining the radical beliefs espoused by the group and their possible connections to each crime.

The Zizians’ activities have raised serious concerns about the intersection of online radicalization, violent extremism, and cultlike behaviors. The ongoing investigation is examining whether the group’s online ideologies spurred violent actions, highlighting the dangers of unregulated platforms where extremist ideas can proliferate without oversight.

Moving Forward

As law enforcement works to piece together the details of this chilling case, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant about the role of social media in promoting extremist ideologies. With the arrest of Lasota and Zajko, investigators hope to unravel more about the Zizians and their network of supporters. As the investigation continues, questions remain about how these online communities foster violence and how law enforcement can better track and prevent such radicalization.

The case of the Zizians underscores the ever-growing challenges of dealing with online harassment, radical ideologies, and the increasing influence of virtual cults. In the aftermath of Agent Maland’s death, the importance of addressing online extremism and harassment has never been more apparent.

Who are the Zizian Cult?

The Zizian Cult is a controversial and secretive group linked to multiple violent incidents across the United States. The group, composed mainly of young, highly intelligent individuals with backgrounds in computer science, has been associated with anarchist beliefs and radical ideologies, some of which explore topics like artificial intelligence, gender identity, and radical veganism. The cult gained notoriety after being tied to several killings, including the tragic death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in January 2023 during a shootout in Vermont.

Who is Jack Lasota?

Jack LaSota, aka 'Ziz,' arrested - Western Maryland

At the center of the group is Jack Lasota, a 34-year-old transgender woman who is believed to be the leader of the Zizians. Lasota, who has been involved in online forums advocating for anti-establishment views, published disturbing writings under the name "Ziz." These writings included controversial theories about brain hemispheres and violent rhetoric against perceived societal enemies, including rationalist groups and those skeptical of artificial intelligence. She has also been connected to other members of the group who were involved in various criminal activities.

The Zizian cult's activities have remained largely shrouded in mystery, with little known about their true motivations or goals. However, authorities believe their violent tendencies were fueled by a combination of their radical beliefs and an intense sense of secrecy. After Lasota's arrest in Maryland, along with another member, Michelle Zajko, investigators are now working to piece together the full extent of the group's actions and connections to multiple homicides across several states.