The assistant principal of a Virginia high school and his brother have been arrested over an alleged plot to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
John Wilson Bennett, 54, and Mark Booth Bennett, 59, were detained at separate locations on November 19 after authorities uncovered the alleged plan.
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement an off-duty police officer from Norfolk, Virginia, overheard the duo discussing plans to ‘kill police officers and ICE agents’ while dining at a local restaurant.
An investigation was launched on November 17 after Mark Bennett ‘was overheard saying he was planning to meet with likeminded individuals in Las Vegas, Nevada, to purchase firearms with explosive rounds to carry out the attacks.’
Mark was arrested at the Norfolk International Airport where ‘he was scheduled to depart on a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, en route to Las Vegas,’ DHS said.
Meanwhile, John was arrested in Virginia beach, where he has worked as assistant principal of Kempsville High School since 2009.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the plot as ‘chilling.’
‘It’s chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers,’ she said.
John Wilson Bennett (pictured) has been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding
Mark Booth Bennett (pictured) was arrested at the Norfolk International Airport
She added that the duo offered ‘such specifics as to getting a high caliber rifle that would pierce the law enforcements’ bullet proof vests.’
McLaughlin noted officers are ‘facing a more than 1,150 percent increase in assaults against them and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats.
‘They risk their lives every single day to remove the worst of the worst including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists, and gang members.
‘From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking, and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families.’
Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.
According to a criminal complaint seen by WTKR, Mark allegedly told his brother he had purchased an assault rifle which ‘utilizes the explosive rounds that are needed to penetrate the vests’ worn by ICE agents.
John allegedly laughed and expressed an interest in ‘going hunting’ with his older brother.
Kempsville High School allegedly placed the assistant principal on leave after his arrest.
John has worked as assistant principal of Kempsville High School since 2009
Kempsville High School allegedly placed the assistant principal on leave after his arrest. he’s seen in a photo on the school website
Daily Mail has contacted the school for comment.
Earlier this month, Border Patrol agents were shot at by an unidentified man in Chicago during a routine operation, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials said officers were fired upon by an unknown male behind the wheel of a black Jeep who fled the scene.
‘Over the past two months, we’ve seen an increase in assaults and obstruction targeting federal law enforcement during operations,’ DHS said at the time.
‘These confrontations highlight the dangers our agents face daily and the escalating aggression toward law enforcement. The violence must end.’
