The alleged leader of a group linked to six deaths in the U.S. has been arrested in Maryland. Jack LaSota, 34, was taken into custody along with Michelle Zajko, 33, another member of the group known as the “Zizians.”
This group has been connected to the fatal shooting of David Maland, a border patrol agent, among five other deaths across states like Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California.
The Zizians include members with backgrounds in technology, some having worked for companies like Google and NASA. Most of the members are in their 20s and 30s and reportedly came together online. They share extreme views on topics like veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.
LaSota and Zajko face multiple charges, including trespass and possession of a handgun. They were scheduled for a bail hearing in Allegany District Court in Cumberland.
The investigation into this group intensified after Maland’s tragic death on January 20, when he was killed during a shootout after pulling over a car in Coventry, Vermont.
LaSota has written disturbing blog posts under the name “Ziz,” where she shares theories about the brain and its functions. She uses she/her pronouns and often criticizes groups discussing human cognition and AI online.
LaSota’s attorney, Daniel McGarrigle, has not commented on her connection to the deaths and has only confirmed that he represents her. He has also declined to provide details about the arrest.
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David Maland, Maryland State Police, Michelle Zajko, Jack LaSota, Vermont, Maryland, Dept of Homeland Security, artificial intelligence
