Several members of radical left-wing trans vegan cult 'Zizians' linked to multiple murders arrested in Maryland

Maryland authorities arrested several members of the trans vegan "Zizians" cult who are suspected of involvement in a series of murders in several states across the country.

Among those arrested are Jack LaSota, 34, identified as the group's leader, and Michelle Zajko, 33, who were apprehended in Allegheny County while carrying firearms, according to reports from authorities.

Images shared by journalist Andy Ngô reveal that Zajko, who claims to be gender non-binary, recently changed her appearance after being spotted with longer hair at her North Carolina residence. Ngô also noted that Zajko attempted to fake her own death.

Zajko's background has caught the attention of investigators, as she comes from a wealthy family in Pennsylvania. Her parents were murdered at their home on New Year's Eve 2022 and, after the death of her grandmother shortly thereafter, Zajko became the only one to inherit the family fortune.

Murder of Border Patrol agent David Maland

Authorities have linked the group to the murder of Border Patrol agent David Maland, which occurred in January in Vermont, as well as five other homicides recorded in Pennsylvania and California. Maland, 44, was killed in a shooting on Jan. 20 in the town of Coventry, Vt., near the Canadian border.

Investigations point to the fact that the Zizians, composed mostly of young people with computer science backgrounds, met on online forums where they shared radical ideologies. Over time, the group adopted increasingly violent practices.

It has been revealed that LaSota, who in the past interned at NASA under the name Andrea Phelps, faked his own death in 2022. He is currently pointed to as the instigator of several of the crimes committed by the cult.

Both LaSota and Zajko face charges of trespassing, obstruction of justice and illegal possession of weapons.