John Wilson Bennett, an assistant principal at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, and his brother Mark Booth Bennett have been arrested for allegedly plotting attacks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrests on November 26, 2025.
The investigation began on November 17 after an off-duty Norfolk police officer overheard the two brothers discussing plans to "kill police officers and ICE agents." According to authorities, Mark Bennett was also heard saying he intended to meet with others in Las Vegas, Nevada, to purchase firearms with explosive rounds for the planned attacks.
Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport on November 19 as he prepared to board a flight destined for Charlotte, North Carolina, before continuing on to Las Vegas. On the same day, John Bennett was taken into custody in Virginia Beach where he has worked as assistant principal since 2009.
“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. Thanks to Homeland Security Investigations and our partners, these men are behind bars,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our officers are facing a more than 1,150% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats while 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 John Wilson Bennett and Mark Booth Bennett have been charged under Virginia state law with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding. Court proceedings will be scheduled at a later date.
