Police Arrest Leader of 'Zizian' Cult Linked to U.S. Killings

The Non-Prophets

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7d ago 19:47

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Police arrest apparent leader of cult like 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the US

AP News, By Michael Casey And Mcasey, on February 17, 2025
https://apnews.com/article/zizians-killings-border-patrol-bf599db6b9ec354c68ed5ff4d5701b84
Police Arrest Leader of 'Zizian' Cult Linked to U.S. Killings Police arrest apparent leader of cult like 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the US AP News, By Michael Casey And Mcasey, on February 17, 2025
https://apnews.com/article/zizians-killings-border-patrol-bf599db6b9ec354c68ed5ff4d5701b84
This story outlines the troubling rise of the Zizans, a group that originally emerged from a more intellectual online community, before devolving into violent actions. In 2016, a figure named Jack Lasoda, writing under the pen name "Ziz," began publishing a blog combining radical ideas such as rationalism, anarchism, ethical veganism, and others, which led to the formation of a group known as the Zizans. Over time, they became more extreme, culminating in a series of violent incidents including the blocking of exits at an event and the brutal attacks that followed, one of which involved a landlord being severely injured and another resulting in a murder. The story takes a particularly chilling turn in 2022, when Ziz faked her own death, which was publicly reported, only to reemerge later. The group's violent spree continued into 2023, with members involved in a murder and a deadly police confrontation. Despite arrests in 2025, doubts persist about whether the group has truly been dismantled, or if they are merely regrouping for future actions. As this unfolds, the discussion turns to the radicalizing effects of online spaces, with commentators questioning the responsibility of social media platforms in preventing such transformations. One speaker suggests that while private messages and personal privacy must be protected, platforms still bear some responsibility to curb violent rhetoric. This leads into a broader examination of how individuals, even those who seem far removed from radicalization, can fall victim to it through selective media consumption and echo chambers. The conversation expands further into the dynamics of fringe movements, especially those combining anarchism, transhumanism, and radical identity politics, with reflections on how such movements form and what makes them turn dangerous. The discussion emphasizes that any movement, regardless of its ideological leanings, can become a breeding ground for extremism if it creates an "us versus them" mentality. Finally, the issue of transparency in law enforcement and the role of skepticism is raised, underscoring the need for constant self-reflection and critical thinking in preventing the spread of dangerous ideologies. It is suggested that, in addition to skepticism, society needs more rebels willing to challenge authority to avoid the kind of radicalization that leads to violence and societal harm.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.9.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Infidel64, Aaron Jensen and AJ
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