Two brothers with American citizenship were arrested a week ago. It’s about to John Wilson Bennett and Mark Booth Bennettwho, according to official documents, was going to talk about A A plan to ambush and assassinate To Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials (ice).
The investigation was activated after the coincidence scene: A Norfolk, Virginia Police Officer That was out of order, I overheard a conversation on November 15th That caught his attention.
the The Bennett brothers were at a Virginia Beach restaurant According to the testimony recorded in the criminal complaint they talked about the Ice company agents They were “kidnapping people” And it was necessary “Do something about it”. The comment alerted the uniformed officer, who reported that the men had spoken of acts of violence against federal forces.
Based on this information, the Department of Homeland Security announced (Ministry of Homeland Securityfor its abbreviation in English), in coordination with the Virginia Beach Police Department, began November 17 A Official investigation. According to reports issued by news agencyAuthorities It verified that the brothers not only expressed their anger, but also described the alleged preparations.
Researchers have proven this Mark Bennett I was going to comment on that I will travel to Las Vegas To meet like-minded people and Get weapons Fire capable of penetrating bulletproof vests. This alleged intent was key to interpreting the threat as more than just a simple conversation.
The investigation moved quickly. Two days after the case began. On November 19, Mark Booth Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport.. He intended to board a plane with a stop in Charlotte before heading to Las Vegas, where, according to DHS documents, he would meet with others to discuss “implementation plans.”
On the same day, Approximately thirty kilometers from the airportpolice officers His brother, John Wilson Bennett, was arrested in Virginia Beach. He has been working for more than a decade Assistant Principal of Kempsville High SchoolA fact highlighted by the DHS statement by highlighting that he was a teacher and, in parallel with his school job, participated in an alleged armed plan against federal agents.
Local chain WTKR He emphasized this point and added that After the arrest, the educational authorities placed the deputy director on leave While the judicial process progresses.
The brothers now face a charge of “conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.”a crime under Virginia law that could result in a severe sentence, depending on the evidence presented at upcoming hearings.
According to the criminal complaint he obtained WTKR, At the restaurant, Mark Bennett claimed he had purchased an assault rifle.
He explained, according to the complaint, that the weapon used “explosive” ammunition capable of penetrating bulletproof vests, a detail that increased investigators’ concerns.
For her part, John Bennett He expressed his desire to accompany his brother to Las Vegas. According to what the officer who heard them commented on this I wanted to go fishing.
This dialogue, though Defense lawyers described the matter as “hearing from third parties.” (Rumors) During a hearing in Virginia Beach, an arrest warrant was allowed for both.
At the preliminary hearing, he recorded news agency and local media, Defenders said the conversation was taken out of context. They pointed out that Mark Bennett was traveling to Las Vegas to attend a Formula 1 event and not for a conspiratorial meeting, as official reports confirmed. They mentioned that too The brothers pose no real threat to society.
However, The court decided to impose restrictive measures and ordered them both to remain under house arrest. Under pre-trial supervision. The investigation remains active A final date has not yet been set for the official hearings in which the charges will be discussed.
The Department of Homeland Security has expressed concern about an increase in attacks and threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees.
Tricia McLaughlinAssistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs, He described the case as “frightening.” He warned of the level of violence faced by officials responsible for enforcing immigration law.