Charges Filed Against Virginia Brothers for Conspiracy
Two brothers from Virginia face charges for allegedly conspiring to attack agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a form of retaliation against law enforcement activities.
Mark Bennett, aged 59, along with his younger brother John Bennett, 54, who is an assistant principal at a local high school, were apprehended at Norfolk International Airport. Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.
During a lunch outing at a Virginia Beach restaurant on November 15, an off-duty Norfolk police officer overheard them discussing their belief that ICE agents were “kidnapping people” and that action needed to be taken against them. This information was detailed in a criminal complaint obtained by a local news station.
Mark Bennett reportedly expressed a desire to connect with others who shared his views in Las Vegas and return with “execution ideas and plans.” He also mentioned buying a type of assault rifle, supposedly to use “explosive rounds” effective against body armor.
Meanwhile, John Bennett expressed an interest in flying to Las Vegas to go hunting with his brother. It was noted that Mark Bennett had a flight booked for the day he was arrested, but it’s unclear if John had one too.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate expressed concern about the allegations, saying they were “deeply disturbing.” He appreciated the timely information that led to their arrests, emphasizing the importance of safety for both law enforcement and the public.
Neither ICE nor the high school has commented on the situation by the deadline for this report.
According to the Virginia Beach Public Schools, Mark Bennett has been employed in the district since 2009 and is currently on a leave of absence.
During their bail hearing, the defense argued that the conversations overheard were merely hearsay and that the brothers were joking, thus, they posed no real threat. They claimed that Mark was traveling to Las Vegas to attend a Formula One race with his sons.
The brothers were granted bail set at $25,000 but must remain at home, refrain from contacting each other, and cannot possess firearms.
Recent months have seen a worrying rise in threats and attacks on ICE agents, with some incidents resulting in fatalities, including a sniper shooting at a facility in Dallas.
The Department of Homeland Security recently revealed a staggering increase in attacks against ICE, indicating 71 vehicle assaults on Customs and Border Protection agents and 28 on ICE, which marks increases of 58% and 1,300% respectively compared to last year.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that ICE officers face an unprecedented surge in threats, claiming an 8,000% rise in such incidents and highlighting the dangerous climate they work in. She also suggested that negative political rhetoric contributes to the rising violence against law enforcement.
Citizens are encouraged to report any harassment or breaches of personal information concerning ICE officers through a dedicated hotline or online reporting form.
