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Department of Homeland Security investigators have taken over the case of a Virginia high school assistant principal and his brother who allegedly plotted to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, potentially with explosive rounds, officials confirmed Wednesday.
John Wilson Bennett, an assistant principal at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, and his older brother Mark Booth Bennett were reportedly overheard at a Vietnamese restaurant discussing plans to travel to Nevada and organize attacks on ICE agents. According to authorities, the brothers characterized their intended actions as retaliation for what they claimed were “kidnappings” during recent immigration enforcement operations.
“It’s chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers—offering such specifics as to getting a high-caliber rifle that would pierce the law enforcements’ bullet proof vests,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Thanks to Homeland Security Investigations and our partners, these men are behind bars.”
The investigation began when an off-duty Norfolk police officer overheard the brothers’ conversation at the restaurant on November 17. According to McLaughlin, the men were discussing plans to “kill police officers and ICE agents,” with Mark Bennett allegedly stating he intended to meet like-minded individuals in Las Vegas, where he would also purchase firearms with explosive rounds.
Two days after the restaurant incident, authorities arrested Mark Bennett at Norfolk International Airport as he was preparing to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, with a final destination of Las Vegas. John Bennett was also taken into custody the same day.
John Bennett has been employed at Kempsville High School since 2009. School officials have confirmed that he is currently on administrative leave pending the investigation.
The arrests come amid what DHS describes as an alarming increase in threats against immigration enforcement personnel. McLaughlin noted that assaults against ICE agents have risen by more than 1,150%, while death threats have increased 8,000-fold as agents carry out their duties.
“They risk their lives every single day to remove the worst of the worst, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists, and gang members,” McLaughlin said. “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.”
The case highlights growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement actions, which have become increasingly politicized in recent years. ICE agents often face significant public scrutiny and criticism while carrying out deportations and other enforcement activities, though threats of violence against federal officers remain criminal offenses regardless of political motivations.
Mark Bennett’s attorney, Happy O’Brien, has disputed the authorities’ version of events. According to local reports, O’Brien claimed his client was traveling to Nevada for a Formula One motorsports event with his child, not to plan attacks. O’Brien reportedly compared the restaurant conversation to banter from the NBC sitcom “Seinfeld,” suggesting the exchange was casual and not a serious plot.
Both brothers have been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding, though additional federal charges could be forthcoming as Homeland Security Investigations continues to examine the case.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement under changing presidential administrations, with policies and priorities shifting significantly in recent years. Law enforcement officials emphasize that regardless of policy debates, threats against federal officers constitute serious criminal offenses that warrant swift investigation and prosecution.
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5 Comments
It’s very troubling to see a school administrator accused of plotting such a brazen attack. Even in the face of perceived injustice, using violence against law enforcement is never acceptable. I hope this case is thoroughly investigated.
Allegations of kidnapping by ICE are serious, but planning a premeditated attack with high-powered weapons crosses a line. Educators should model lawful, peaceful conflict resolution, not escalate tensions through violence.
While immigration enforcement is a controversial issue, this appears to be an extreme and reckless response. I hope the investigation uncovers the full truth of the situation.
This is a deeply concerning case. If the allegations are true, it’s appalling that an educator would plot such a violent attack on law enforcement. Targeting ICE agents with explosives is an extreme and unacceptable response, no matter the grievances.
I agree, using violence to retaliate is never justified, especially against government officials just doing their jobs. These alleged actions are an abuse of the public trust placed in school administrators.