Federal authorities in the United States have revealed a chilling alleged conspiracy, leading to the arrest of a high school assistant principal and his brother for plotting to assassinate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and police officers.
The Restaurant Conversation That Uncovered the Plot
The investigation began on 17 November when an off-duty police officer overheard a disturbing conversation at a restaurant in Virginia Beach. According to a criminal complaint, John Bennett and his brother, Mark Bennett, were allegedly discussing their vehement opposition to ICE, with the officer reporting they spoke about "how ICE agents are kidnapping individuals and that they needed to do something about it."
Arrests and Alleged Plans for High-Calibre Weapons
Just two days later, on 19 November, Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia. Federal officials state he was preparing to travel to Las Vegas with the alleged intention of obtaining firearms. A statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed he was seeking to "purchase firearms with explosive rounds to carry out the attacks" and meet with like-minded individuals for "enforcement ideas and plans."
John Bennett, who served as the assistant principal at Kempsville High School, was arrested in Virginia Beach. The school district has since placed him on administrative leave.
Both men now face a federal charge of one count of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasised the severity of the alleged plan, stating they sought rifles powerful enough to pierce bulletproof vests worn by law enforcement. "It's chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers," she said.
Law Enforcement Response and National Context
Paul Neudigate, Chief of the Virginia Beach Police Department, described the alleged crime as "incredibly alarming." He confirmed that a multi-agency operation was swiftly launched to assess the threat, leading to the arrests and ensuring the safety of both law enforcement and the public.
This case emerges against a backdrop of intensified US immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, who has recently deployed the National Guard to support ICE agents in several major cities.
