Leader of Trans-Vegan Cult Linked to Border Patrol Murder Arrested

THE NEWS

A notorious radical vegan cult known as the “Zizians” is under renewed scrutiny after police in Maryland announced the arrest of its apparent leader, Jack “Ziz” Lasota, 34, and an acolyte, Michelle Zajko, 33.

They face multiple charges, including trespassing, obstruction, and illegal firearm possession, following a string of violent incidents and murders linked to various cult members across the United States.

Investigators say Zajko allegedly supplied the guns used in the murder of Border Agent David Maland on Jan. 20 and is also a suspect in the earlier slaying of her parents.

The cult, which espouses extreme vegan beliefs and publishes radical online writings, has attracted attention from both law enforcement and public watchdogs. A bail hearing for Lasota and Zajko is set for Tuesday morning.

Timeline

• November 2022: Landlord Curtis Lind is attacked by alleged cult members in Vallejo, California, while attempting to evict them; Lind fatally shoots cult member Emma Borhanian in self-defense but suffers severe injuries.

• December 31, 2022: Authorities say Michelle Zajko is sought in connection with the murders of her parents in Pennsylvania.

• January 17, 2025: Lind, now 82 years old and partially blinded from the November attack, is allegedly killed by cult member Maximilian Snyder.

• January 20, 2025: Border Agent David Maland is fatally shot during a traffic stop near the Canadian border; cult members Teresa Youngblut and German national Felix Bauckholt are implicated in the shootout. Bauckholt dies at the scene, while Youngblut is wounded and later charged.

• February 16, 2025: Jack “Ziz” Lasota and Michelle Zajko are apprehended by Maryland State Police, allegedly bringing an end to a cross-country manhunt connected to the Zizians’ violent criminal activities.

REACTIONS

Maryland State Police: Confirmed the arrests of Lasota and Zajko, describing them as central figures in a “disturbing” group with ties to multiple violent incidents.

Cult Experts and Investigators: Express concern over the Zizians’ increasingly bold acts of violence, noting the group’s blend of radical veganism, gender theory, and AI discussions in online blogs.

Law Enforcement: Continues to probe connections among the group’s various members, including potential conspiracies to commit murder and illegal arms trafficking.

Surviving Victims’ Families: Have called for swift justice, deeply troubled by the cult’s willingness to engage in lethal confrontations.

WHAT’S NEXT

Lasota and Zajko will face a bail hearing on Tuesday, potentially revealing more details about the Zizians’ organization and motives.

WIth other accused cult members already in custody or awaiting trial, prosecutors will likely pursue coordinated efforts to dismantle what they view as a dangerous network.