The Department of Homeland Security is currently investigating a Virginia educator and his brother for allegedly plotting an attack on ICE, potentially involving explosives. The principal of Kempsville High School, John Wilson Bennett, along with his brother Mark Booth Bennett, was reportedly intercepted at a Vietnamese restaurant in Virginia Beach while planning to travel to Nevada for this purpose, citing a “kidnapping” narrative related to civilian casualties during immigration enforcement.
Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin stated, “It’s appalling that someone, especially an educator, would attempt to ambush and harm an ICE law enforcement officer using high-caliber weaponry,” following reports about the brothers’ arrests. She credited Homeland Security Investigations and local law enforcement agencies for their prompt action that led to the apprehension of the suspects.
John Bennett has been a teacher in Virginia Beach since 2009, although he is currently on leave from his position. McLaughlin elaborated that the investigation began after an off-duty Norfolk police officer overheard the brothers discussing plans to “kill police officers and ICE agents.” Allegedly, Mark planned to connect with like-minded individuals in Las Vegas to acquire a firearm capable of explosive ammunition.
Just two days later, Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport while attempting to fly to Las Vegas, where he was scheduled to attend a Formula One event. John Bennett was also taken into custody on the same day.
According to McLaughlin, there has been a staggering rise in assaults against ICE officers—over 1,150%—along with an 8,000-fold increase in death threats, as these officers manage their daily responsibilities in safeguarding the nation.
Mark Bennett’s attorney, Happy O’Brien, contested the account of the incident, arguing that his client was simply traveling to an event with his child. O’Brien seemed to downplay the seriousness of the overheard conversation, likening it to the humorous and often trivial dialogues found in the sitcom “Seinfeld.”
Both brothers have been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.
