A radical leftist cult, known as the Zizians, is under federal investigation after authorities linked its members to multiple violent crimes, including the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland on Jan. 20 in Coventry, Vermont.
The group, composed of highly educated trans-identifying “rationalists,” follows an elusive leader named Jack “Ziz” LaSota, a trans activist and alleged mastermind behind the movement.
Border agent’s killing exposes dangerous network
Maland was fatally shot during a traffic stop involving two individuals tied to the cult—Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt, a German national and former Wall Street trader, and University of Washington student Teresa “Milo” Youngblut.
According to court documents, Youngblut opened fire on Maland, killing him on the spot. Border agents returned fire, killing Bauckholt, while Youngblut was taken into custody.
Authorities later determined that the firearms used in the attack were linked to a broader network of homicides involving members of the Zizian cult.
Who are the Zizians?
The Zizian cult is an underground group of self-proclaimed trans anarchists and vegan “rationalists,” many of whom have backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, and bioinformatics.
Their mysterious leader, Jack “Ziz” LaSota, is believed to be directing members from the shadows. Though some followers claim he died in 2022, investigators suspect this was a ruse to evade prosecution.
Murders linked to the cult
Federal investigators are now connecting the Zizians to at least four homicides across the country:
- The murder of 82-year-old Curtis Lind in Vallejo, California, who was set to testify in an attempted murder case against Zizian cult members.
- The mysterious deaths of Rita and Richard Zajko in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, whose trans nonbinary child, Michelle Zajko, is a person of interest.
- The killing of Border Patrol Agent Maland, allegedly by Youngblut and Bauckholt.
Radical ideology and cult tactics
Authorities say the Zizian cult operates like an underground militant network, living off-grid in communal box truck encampments. Their online presence reveals extreme rhetoric advocating for violence, anti-government rebellion, and radical transhumanist beliefs.
After Lind’s murder, members of the cult celebrated online, with one anonymous user posting: “Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.”
Chilling evidence uncovered
A bomb squad investigation into Bauckholt and Youngblut’s vehicle found a stash of tactical gear, including:
- Night-vision goggles
- Ballistic helmets and respirators
- Multiple handguns with hollow-point ammunition
- Encrypted electronic devices wrapped in foil
Further searches of their Airbnb hideout in North Carolina revealed a large box truck used as a makeshift operations hub, frequented by other individuals dressed in black tactical gear.
Authorities warn of further threats
Federal prosecutors have denied bail for Youngblut, citing her dangerous associations and the ongoing threat posed by the cult.
The case has exposed a disturbing trend of extremist violence tied to radical trans anarchist groups, prompting authorities to broaden their investigation into what could be one of the most organized militant movements in recent history.
