Zizians, the rise of the vegan cult: from philosophy to violence

by Andrea Molle.

The recent arrest of Jack LaSota, known online as “Ziz,” has brought attention to the enigmatic and dangerous group called the Zizians. Once an obscure internet subculture, it has now been thrust into the public eye as authorities uncover disturbing details about the group’s ideology and its links to violent crimes. Under LaSota’s leadership, the Zizians have evolved from a niche philosophical movement into an organized and radicalized network, willing to engage in extreme actions to further its beliefs.

This cult-like organization has been implicated in violent incidents across the United States, including deadly confrontations with law enforcement, targeted attacks, and aggressive protests. Reports suggest that its members adhere to a rigid, almost apocalyptic worldview, combining radical veganism, anarchism, transhumanism, and a deep distrust of established institutions. The group’s activities, from online proselytization to real-world aggression, raise urgent questions about its origins, recruitment methods, and the broader implications of its growing influence. As investigations continue, authorities and analysts face the challenge of dismantling a decentralized movement that thrives on the internet. The Zizians exemplify how ideological extremism, fueled by online radicalization, can spill over into real-world violence, posing a unique and evolving threat to public safety.

The group traces its origins to the San Francisco Bay Area, where in 2016, Jack LaSota began publishing a blog under the pseudonym “Ziz.” Initially, LaSota’s writings attracted a niche audience, particularly within online circles interested in philosophy, artificial intelligence, and radical social theories. Over time, her ideas evolved into a more complex and controversial ideology, drawing in followers and forming the foundation of what is now the Zizian movement. LaSota, a transgender woman, delved into unconventional theories about human consciousness, proposing that the brain’s hemispheres could possess distinct values and even separate gender identities, often existing in internal conflict. She framed this as a fundamental struggle within individuals, one that could be “resolved” through personal transformation and ideological commitment. This perspective resonated with some online communities, but it also fostered a more rigid and dogmatic worldview among her followers.

LaSota’s discourse expanded into political and ethical domains, incorporating radical veganism, anarchism, and extreme opposition to mainstream rationalist communities—particularly those concerned with artificial intelligence and existential risk. She criticized these groups for what she perceived as moral cowardice and an unwillingness to take direct action against perceived threats. This opposition became a defining characteristic of Zizian ideology, shaping the group’s adversarial stance against the rationalist movement and its institutions.

The eclectic mix of beliefs that emerged gave the Zizians a distinct ideological identity. What began as an online intellectual pursuit morphed into an action-oriented movement, increasingly militant in nature. The group’s shift from fringe philosophy to violent action became evident in 2019, marking a turning point in its evolution. That year, LaSota and several associates were arrested during a protest outside a Northern California retreat center hosting a rationalist event. What started as an ideological dispute over artificial intelligence ethics quickly escalated into direct action, characterized by aggressive tactics such as physical confrontations, property damage, and attempts to disrupt the event. This incident signaled a disturbing shift from intellectual critique to militancy, setting the stage for more extreme actions in subsequent years.

By 2020, the Zizians had attracted individuals not only ideologically aligned but also willing to engage in direct, sometimes violent action. In one notable case, a Zizian-affiliated individual was arrested in Portland, Oregon, after setting fire to a research facility linked to AI development. The attack, classified as arson, was framed by the perpetrator as a “preemptive strike” against artificial intelligence systems they believed posed an existential threat to humanity.

In 2021, a coordinated harassment campaign targeted key figures in the rationalist and effective altruism communities. Several prominent researchers received death threats, and at least one rationalist blogger’s home was vandalized with Zizian slogans. While no direct physical violence was involved, the campaign demonstrated the group’s increasing willingness to engage in intimidation tactics.

The escalation continued in 2022, when a group of Zizians staged a break-in at a biotech laboratory in San Diego, allegedly to “liberate” animals used in testing. Security footage showed masked individuals wearing tactical gear, further indicating the group’s militarization. Though no injuries were reported, the break-in resulted in extensive property damage, and several members were arrested.

In 2023, violence took a deadlier turn. A Zizian member was implicated in the attempted murder of a computer scientist in Boston, a researcher advocating AI safety protocols. The suspect, who had posted several online manifestos aligning with LaSota’s theories, was apprehended before the attack could be carried out. However, the incident reinforced concerns that the Zizians were moving beyond property crimes and harassment into targeted physical violence.

These incidents paved the way for outright bloodshed in 2025. In January of that year, U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Vermont. The assailants, linked to the Zizians, were found with tactical gear and weaponry, underscoring the group’s operational capabilities and the seriousness of the threat they posed. Another shocking act of violence occurred in Vallejo, California, where landlord Curtis Lind was brutally stabbed. Investigations revealed connections between the suspects and the Zizian network, highlighting the group’s expanding geographic reach and its growing disregard for human life in pursuit of its ideological goals.

The pattern of escalation, from online radicalization to targeted violence, demonstrates the Zizians’ transformation into a dangerous extremist movement. What started as an obscure philosophical discourse has now become an organized threat, with real-world consequences that authorities are struggling to contain.

While the Zizians originated in the United States, their influence now extends beyond American borders. Their activities and network have gained footholds in various European countries, sparking alarm about the group’s global reach and impact. Individuals like German national Felix Bauckholt, implicated in violent activities associated with the Zizians, demonstrate the group’s ability to infiltrate and operate across national borders. Bauckholt’s involvement signals a broader trend of the group’s international appeal or organization, suggesting a transnational network that facilitates coordination and ideologically driven violence.

In Europe, authorities are reporting Zizian-inspired actions in several countries. In the United Kingdom, there have been instances of radicalization tied to the group’s ideology. France, with its history of radical movements, has also seen individuals align themselves with Zizian ideals, heightening concerns about the potential for organized extremist attacks. Furthermore, countries such as Italy and Spain have become critical points for recruitment and logistical support, with their porous borders and diverse political climates making them susceptible to external ideological movements like the Zizians. These nations’ connections may involve financial networks, online propaganda campaigns, and logistical support that enable actions across Europe.

The growing international dimension of Zizian influence raises several critical concerns. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies across Europe are increasingly collaborating to track the group’s activities, share intelligence, and prevent further escalation. The rise of this transnational extremist network highlights the need for enhanced cooperation between nations to counter the threat of globalized radical movements. The Zizians’ ability to inspire or directly coordinate actions beyond the United States underscores the evolving nature of modern extremism and the growing complexity of combating transnational threats.

The Zizians exemplify how online radicalization can give rise to extremist movements in the digital age. Central to their operations was the digital presence of key figures like LaSota, whose online platforms became gathering places for like-minded individuals drawn to the group’s violent ideology. These platforms allowed LaSota and others to disseminate propaganda, ideologically charged materials, and violent rhetoric, creating an echo chamber where extremism could flourish without traditional geographic limitations.

LaSota’s online influence served as a nexus for isolated individuals who, driven by shared grievances or radical ideologies, could find solidarity and reinforcement in each other’s beliefs. This virtual space allowed members of the Zizian network to coordinate actions, share strategies, and mobilize others toward radicalization. Through encrypted communications, private chat rooms, and social media platforms, the Zizians could organize discreetly and spread their messages far beyond what was previously possible.

The reach of online radicalization cannot be overstated. For many, exposure to extremist content online acts as a catalyst for radical thinking, sometimes evolving into violent intentions. The anonymity and unregulated nature of digital platforms, especially on the dark web, facilitate the spread of extremist ideologies while bypassing traditional monitoring and control mechanisms.

This underscores the growing importance of vigilance in monitoring online spaces to prevent the incubation of such dangerous movements. The Zizians’ ability to thrive in these virtual spaces highlights the necessity for law enforcement, social media companies, and governments to collaborate in identifying and neutralizing online radicalization efforts. This requires not only enhanced tracking of extremist content but also a proactive strategy of engagement, where tech platforms are empowered to detect and remove harmful materials before they gain traction.

Moreover, the Zizians’ use of digital tools to recruit, radicalize, and plan violent actions illustrates the urgency of adopting more sophisticated countermeasures in cyberspace. This includes improving online content moderation, fostering digital literacy programs to combat extremism, and raising awareness of the dangers of radicalization. The lessons learned from observing the Zizians and similar groups should drive global efforts to regulate digital platforms and prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for violence, helping to stem the tide of online radicalization before it can manifest in real-world harm.

The emergence of the Zizians, rising from the shadows of obscure online forums to orchestrating real-world acts of violence, serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers posed by unchecked extremist ideologies in the digital age. What began as an online fringe movement quickly evolved into a transnational network capable of mobilizing individuals across borders, turning virtual radicalization into tangible, violent actions. This escalation underscores the urgent need to address the broader issue of how extremist ideologies can thrive in the digital realm, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.

The Zizians’ ability to recruit, radicalize, and coordinate violence online highlights significant vulnerabilities in our current systems of monitoring and regulation. It serves as a potent warning that the digital space, with its vast anonymity and global reach, can be harnessed by malicious actors to spread hate and incite violence. Therefore, it is essential for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to increase vigilance, while governments and international organizations implement proactive policies that limit extremist groups’ ability to flourish in these unregulated spaces.

Policymakers must collaborate with tech companies to establish robust frameworks for monitoring online content, while also developing counter-radicalization strategies that are effective and non-invasive. Social media platforms must take greater responsibility in identifying and removing extremist materials before they gain traction. However, these efforts must be balanced with the protection of free speech and individual rights, which presents a complex challenge requiring nuanced solutions.

Furthermore, society at large has a vital role in preventing the radicalization of vulnerable individuals. Educational initiatives that promote digital literacy, critical thinking, and awareness of online extremism are crucial in empowering individuals to recognize and resist harmful ideologies. Community-based efforts to foster inclusion, tolerance, and dialogue can help counteract the divisive rhetoric that fuels radical movements like the Zizians.

Ultimately, the rise of the Zizians serves as a wake-up call, urging us to confront the evolving nature of extremism in the digital era. The collective responsibility of law enforcement, policymakers, tech companies, and the public is essential in ensuring that the digital age does not become a breeding ground for such threats. Only through continued vigilance, cooperation, and innovation can we hope to combat the growing menace of online radicalization and protect society from the devastating consequences of extremist violence.