Vermont Incident Raises Concerns Over Domestic Extremism
A decorated U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Inauguration Day in Coventry, Vermont. The suspect in custody, along with an accomplice who was killed in the exchange of gunfire, is reportedly linked to a radical militant group known as the “Zizians.”
The Suspects and the Shooting
Authorities say that Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut, 21, of Washington state, and Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt, a German national, were stopped by Border Patrol on Jan. 20. During the encounter, Youngblut allegedly opened fire on Agent David C. Maland, killing him. Border agents returned fire, striking Bauckholt, who later died. Youngblut was injured but survived and is now in custody.
The two had been under FBI surveillance after motel staff in Lyndonville, Vermont, reported their suspicious behavior, including possession of tactical gear and firearms. They were seen wearing black tactical clothing, and Youngblut was observed handling a firearm. Law enforcement later found night-vision goggles, ballistic helmets and other equipment in their vehicle, suggesting premeditated intentions.
REPORT: The k*ller in the Vermont Border Patrol slaying on Inauguration Day is allegedly linked to a radical leftist transgender militant cult known as the "Zizians"
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 31, 2025
The Zizians are a radical "computer-savvy" cult with a "vegan Sith" ideology & follow "Rationalism"
The leader… pic.twitter.com/cYBjjs55D7
Ties to the Zizian Group
Investigators have linked Youngblut and Bauckholt to a radical group known as the “Zizians.” This transgender militant faction reportedly adheres to an extreme ideology blending leftist radicalism with niche philosophical beliefs. The group is allegedly led by Jack LaSota, also known as “Ziz” or Andrea Phelps, a biological male identifying as female.
Veganism and animal rights are at the core of the Zizian ideology, shaping their entire way of life. They see the ethical treatment of animals as non-negotiable, rejecting any practice that exploits or harms them.
But their beliefs go even further. The Zizians claim that the brain is divided into two halves, each capable of independent thought. According to their philosophy, a person can essentially split their consciousness between two distinct personalities by activating one side of the brain while letting the other rest.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo has reported extensively on the Zizians, describing them as a cult with possible ties to six known deaths across several states, including Pennsylvania, California and Vermont. One such case involved an 82-year-old man who was allegedly assassinated after surviving a previous attempt on his life, reportedly by the same extremists before he could testify against them.
Weapons and Connections to Other Crimes
Further investigation revealed that the firearm used in the Border Patrol shooting was linked to Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, a trans nonbinary individual whose parents were found dead in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Their deaths remain unsolved, but authorities suspect ties to the Zizians.
Here is a graphic from @MrAndyNgo. A lot to unpack. pic.twitter.com/5wFrj515Nh
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 31, 2025
Background of the Suspects
–Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut – A 21-year-old from Washington state, currently facing federal charges in connection with the killing of Agent Maland.
–Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt – A German national on an H-1B visa, a mathematical prodigy from Freiburg, Germany, and a University of Waterloo graduate. He identified as transgender and used feminine pronouns.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
Authorities continue to probe the extent of the Zizians’ network and their activities. While the group has claimed that its leader “Ziz” passed away in 2022, investigators are skeptical and are examining whether this claim is a deliberate deception.
The crime spree has reignited discussions on border security and terrorism threats—key priorities for the Trump administration.
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