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Virginia Assistant Principal, Brother Arrested at Norfolk Airport Over Alleged Plan Targeting ICE Agents

An off-duty officer's tip triggered an interagency assessment that led police to detain the siblings at the airport.

Overview

  • Mark Bennett, 59, and John Bennett, 54, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding, police said.
  • The brothers were arrested Nov. 19 at Norfolk International Airport with assistance from airport police, and the complaint says Mark had a ticket to Las Vegas that day.
  • A criminal complaint says an off-duty Norfolk police officer reported overhearing them claim ICE agents were kidnapping people and say they needed to do something about it.
  • The complaint alleges Mark discussed meeting like-minded people in Las Vegas and referenced buying an assault rifle and rounds capable of penetrating vests, as John expressed interest in joining.
  • Virginia Beach City Public Schools placed John, an assistant principal at Kempsville High School, on leave, and VBPD says the investigation continues with a public call for tips to VBPD or Crime Solvers.