Zizians

Based on news reports from early 2025, the FBI raided a property in Chatham County, North Carolina, linked to a small, cult-like group known as the "Zizians," which is connected to multiple killings. The group's leader is identified as a figure who goes by the online alias "Ziz". 

About the FBI raid:

Location: The raid took place on February 5, 2025, at a property in a wooded area near the intersection of Bell Circle and Woodbridge Road, outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Context: The search was related to a series of violent crimes in multiple states that authorities have connected to the Zizian group.

Investigation: The FBI has been investigating the group for its links to at least six deaths in California, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. 

About the Zizian group

Leader: The group is reportedly led by a transgender woman named Jack LaSota, who published a blog under the name "Ziz." The writings included discussions of artificial intelligence, veganism, and radical rationalist philosophy.

Members: Followers of "Ziz" are sometimes referred to as "Zizians" and are described as being comprised of young, highly intelligent computer scientists. Some members are also transgender or have rejected binary sexuality.

Crimes and connections:

February 2025: The group gained public attention when two members, one of whom was later killed in a shootout, were involved in the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont.

Arrests: The Zizians' leader, Jack LaSota, and another member, Michelle Zajko, were arrested in Maryland shortly after the raid, though Zajko was later accused of providing weapons related to the Vermont incident. LaSota has also been indicted on federal firearms and ammunition charges.

Earlier incidents: Zizians have been connected to earlier violent incidents, including the deaths of a landlord in California and the parents of a group member in Pennsylvania. 

Outcome of the raids: 

The FBI's investigation and raids resulted in the apprehension of several group members and revealed the group's alleged connection to multiple deaths. However, some members of the group, including a figure known as "Ziz," were initially missing following the raid. LaSota was later arrested in Maryland.