Tragic confrontation in Vermont has now been connected with a shadowy and violent group that champions transgenderism.
More than two weeks after the tragic shooting death of a US Border Protection agent and an illegal German immigrant he was tracking, authorities believe they have put together a few more pieces of the puzzling case.
Agent David Maland, 44, was gunned down in a shocking traffic stop ambush in Vermont, with investigators now tying the fatal shooting to a bizarre and dangerous extremist group.
Maland was conducting a routine stop on Interstate 91 near Coventry, just miles from the Canadian border, when the situation turned deadly on January 20. Maland, a veteran law enforcement officer and Air Force vet who had once served at the Pentagon during 9/11, was struck down in a hail of bullets.
One suspect, German national Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt, was killed in the shootout, while another, Teresa “Milo” Youngblut, was wounded and taken into custody. But the most shocking revelation, according to investigators? These suspects weren’t just random criminals—they were part of a radicalized fringe group that’s been linked to violent incidents across the country.
Authorities say Youngblut and Bauckholt were tied to a cult-like organization known as the “Zizians.” The group, reportedly made up of highly educated but extreme trans vegan “rationalists,” follows the teachings of its shadowy leader, Jack “Ziz” LaSota. The group’s members are known for their fringe beliefs and have reportedly been involved in multiple violent altercations in recent years.
The gun used to kill Maland has been linked to a double homicide in Pennsylvania, leading authorities to believe the group’s reach extends far beyond Vermont. Investigators are now looking into possible connections between the suspects and other violent crimes in California, raising concerns about a broader criminal network.
Maland’s murder has rocked both his colleagues and his family, who describe him as a dedicated officer and patriot. “He loved his country. He loved his job. He didn’t deserve this,” one grieving relative said.
Maland had been with the Department of Homeland Security for 15 years, working tirelessly to secure America’s northern border. His tragic death has sparked outrage among law enforcement officials, with many demanding a full-scale crackdown on extremist groups operating within the U.S.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are racing to uncover more details about the Zizians and their role in this deadly attack. Youngblut remains behind bars without bail, while federal and state law enforcement agencies intensify their probe into the cult’s activities.
This shocking incident has left many questioning how such a radical group was able to operate under the radar for so long—and whether more violence could be on the horizon.
With a hero lost and a dangerous extremist network exposed, one thing is clear: this case is far from over.