‘Zizian’ cult member marked by beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity and AI bailed out of jail

Fortune

by Mark Scolforo, Patrick Whittle, The Associated Press

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A member of a controversial group known as the Zizians, linked to six deaths across multiple states, has been bailed out of jail in Maryland. Daniel Blank, one of the three individuals tied to homicide investigations in California, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, was released on Friday after posting $15,000 bail. The release came with strict conditions, including living alone and wearing a GPS tracker. Zajko and LaSota remain in custody without bail. The Zizians are a radical group whose members hold extreme beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity, and artificial intelligence. Their ties to violence became evident after a U.S. border agent was killed in Vermont last year. The trio—Jack “Ziz” LaSota, Michelle Zajko, and Daniel Blank—were arrested on trespassing and gun charges following their discovery living in box trucks in Maryland’s woods. The group has been connected to several deaths since 2022, including the killing of a landlord in California and Zajko’s parents in Pennsylvania. They are also accused of involvement in a highway shootout in Vermont that claimed the life of another border agent. The trio faces multiple charges, including drug possession and firearm violations, in Cumberland, Maryland. The trial was delayed until June after Zajko briefly represented herself before hiring a new attorney. The case highlights the dangers posed by radical groups, particularly those with ties to violent crimes across state lines. As legal proceedings continue, the Zizians’ impact on law enforcement and communities remains a pressing concern for businesses and governments alike. This story underscores the importance of understanding how fringe ideologies can lead to real-world violence, making it a critical issue for readers interested in business and public safety. The ongoing trial and the group’s radical beliefs serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked extremism.

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Fortune on 2/21/2026