An assistant principal from a Virginia high school and his brother are facing serious charges after authorities uncovered an alleged plot to assassinate federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The Arrests and Alleged Conspiracy
John Wilson Bennett, 54, and Mark Booth Bennett, 59, were arrested on November 19 at separate locations in Virginia. The investigation began after an off-duty police officer from Norfolk reportedly overheard the duo discussing plans to 'kill police officers and ICE agents' while they were dining at a local restaurant.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the investigation was formally launched on November 17. This was triggered after Mark Bennett was allegedly overheard stating he was planning to meet with likeminded individuals in Las Vegas, Nevada, to purchase firearms with explosive rounds to carry out the attacks.
Chilling Details and Official Response
Mark Bennett was subsequently arrested at the Norfolk International Airport, where he was scheduled to depart on a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, en route to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, his brother, John Bennett, was arrested in Virginia Beach.
John Bennett has worked as the assistant principal of Kempsville High School since 2009. The school has since placed him on administrative leave following his arrest.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the alleged plot as 'chilling,' expressing particular alarm that a child educator was involved. She revealed that the brothers discussed acquiring a high-calibre rifle with explosive rounds specifically designed to pierce the bulletproof vests worn by law enforcement officers. The criminal complaint indicates that John Bennett allegedly laughed and expressed interest in 'going hunting' with his older brother.
McLaughlin also highlighted the increasing dangers faced by officers, noting a more than 1,150 percent increase in assaults and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats. She stated that officers confront risks daily from threats, stalking, and doxxing while working to remove dangerous individuals from communities.
Charges and Wider Context
Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding. This case emerges amidst a reported surge in aggression towards federal law enforcement. Earlier this month, Border Patrol agents were shot at by an unidentified man in Chicago during a routine operation.
The Department of Homeland Security has commented on a concerning trend, stating, 'Over the past two months, we've seen an increase in assaults and obstruction targeting federal law enforcement during operations. These confrontations highlight the dangers our agents face daily.'
