Two Virginia brothers — one of whom works as an assistant principal at a public high school — have been arrested and accused of plotting to murder Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to alarming details released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
John Wilson Bennett and his brother, Mark Booth Bennett, were taken into custody on November 19 and charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding. Both men are American citizens. According to DHS officials, the investigation began two days earlier, when an off-duty Norfolk, Virginia, police officer overheard the pair allegedly discussing violent plans targeting law enforcement.
The Virginia Beach Police Department quickly launched an investigation after the officer reported hearing the brothers talk about plans to “kill police officers and ICE agents.” Authorities say the men discussed acquiring specific firearms and ammunition capable of piercing body armor.
Officials allege that Mark Bennett intended to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to meet with anti‑ICE activists who would help him obtain firearms. His plans reportedly included the use of high‑caliber rifles loaded with explosive rounds designed to kill as many federal agents as possible.
“It’s chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers — offering such specifics as to getting a high‑caliber rifle that would pierce law enforcement’s bulletproof vests,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
McLaughlin added that threats against ICE personnel have skyrocketed, calling attention to a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats against agents in recent years. “Our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families,” she continued.
Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport, where he had been scheduled to board a flight to Las Vegas. John Bennett was taken into custody in Virginia Beach. He has served as the Assistant Principal of Kempsville High School since 2009, raising immediate concerns within the school community about student and staff safety.
Both men are expected to appear in court at a later date. Officials have not released further information about potential additional charges or whether federal terrorism-related counts may be added as the investigation continues.
