Alleged leader of cultlike ‘Zizian’ group arrested in Maryland
Guardian3 days ago
Jack LaSota, the alleged leader of the "Zizians," was arrested in Maryland on Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, facing charges of trespassing, obstruction, and illegal firearm possession. A bail hearing is set for Tuesday at Allegany District Court.
The Zizians, an alleged cultlike group comprised of young computer scientists with anarchist beliefs, have been linked to six homicides across Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California, including the Jan. 20 killing of US Border Patrol Agent David Maland during a traffic stop near the Canadian border.
Transgender-identifying Michelle Zajko, who was arrested alongside LaSota, was previously questioned regarding the New Year's Eve 2022 shooting deaths of her elderly parents in Chester Heights, Pa., though she was never formally charged in that case.
The Zizian case highlights a surge in American violence, intensified by the marginalization of transgender and non-binary communities. Excessive police force against protesters like Ziz may have escalated tensions, contributing to violent outcomes. While these suspects should be punished if found guilty of their alleged offenses, it's also crucial that society be more inclusive of diverse identities to help achieve social cohesion and safety.
The Zizians' violent spree should've been national news long ago, but America's leading newspapers have ignored it. This silence, combined with law enforcement's leniency in allowing these terrorists to be bailed out, highlights a disturbing trend of overlooking left-wing violence. Not only do radical trans criminals get treated with kid gloves by police, but the media will also use their preferred pronouns when covering the story.