One US Border Patrol agent, who was shot dead during a traffic stop along the Canadian border, will be buried in full military honors. His sudden death has been linked to a cult-like group known as the Zizians that has been linked to a string of violent crimes across the country.
The Fatal Shooting of Agent David "Chris" Maland
January 20, 2025, was a typical day when U.S. Border Patrol Agent David "Chris" Maland, 44, was stopping a routine vehicle on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border. In the process of making the stop, Teresa "Milo" Youngblut, 21, started shooting at Maland and other agents, and the shootout resulted in the death of her companion, Felix "Ophelia" Bauckholt.
Maland succumbed to his injuries at the scene, a heartbreaking loss for law enforcement. Youngblut, having been fired on during the shootout, was taken into custody and is charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder and attempted murder of the federal agents. (AP News)
Who Was David "Chris" Maland?
Minnesota native Maland had also worked for the State Department and became a Border Patrol agent. He had been awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was admired by many due to his dedication and bravery.
His family described him as a "loving son, brother, uncle, fiancé, and dedicated colleague" in their own words, describing the warm heart of Maland and his unwavering patriotism towards his country. (AP News)
The Zizians: A Radicical Group with a Violent History
The Zizians, started by Jack "Ziz" LaSota, were initially an intellectual group based around AI safety and effective altruism but evolved into a radicalized group. The group adopted extremist moral positions, such as the use of violence against people that they deemed corrupt.
The Zizians have been accused of at least six killings in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California, investigations reveal. Some of their offenses include the reported killing in 2022 of a couple with vast wealth in Pennsylvania and stabbing of a landlord in California. (The Times)
Recent Arrests and Crackdown on the Zizians
Once Maland was murdered, police forces increased efforts to arrest Zizians members. Maryland State Police arrested Jack LaSota and Michelle Zajko, 33, of Pennsylvania, on February 17, 2025, for charges including trespassing, obstruction, and carrying a firearm. The arrests are considered a significant step towards dismantling the activities of the group. (Boston.com)
The Radicalization of the Zizians
Experts identified the dangers of extremist ideologies in tight-knit communities. Began worrying about AI ethics, the Zizians had become a deadly cult via social media echo chambers, leading to their justification of violence. (Wired)
Funeral and Military Honors for Agent Maland
Agent Maland will be buried with full military honors at Minneapolis's Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Saturday. His funeral will commemorate his sacrifice and service, attended by fellow officers, friends, and relatives.
His tragic death serves as a sober reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis and of how society is impacted by radicalized groups.
Conclusion
As the FBI and other officials continue investigating the Zizians, officials urge citizens to remain vigilant against extremist groups. Maland's martyrdom only serves to highlight the ongoing challenge of combating radicalization and public safety.
For additional information, refer to the following sources:
Who Are the Zizians? Inside the Radical 'Cult' Linked to Multiple Killings
Criminologist Says Social Media Can Radicalize Cult-Like Groups
Border Patrol Agent Murder: A Deep Investigation