Cult Leader Linked to Multiple Killings Arrested in Maryland

USUnited States|

Jack LaSota, 34, known by the alias "Ziz," was arrested in Frostburg, Maryland, on charges including trespassing and firearms offenses, according to a statement from Maryland State Police. LaSota's arrest comes amid ongoing investigations into several violent incidents allegedly linked to her and her associates, including the fatal shooting of a Border Patrol officer in Vermont last month. Two accomplices, Michelle Zajko, 32, and Daniel Blank, 26, were also detained on similar charges.

LaSota, who identifies as a woman, was previously associated with an organization focused on improving the world through mathematical principles and was believed to have died in a boating accident in August 2022. However, after a series of violent events were tied to her group, many believe she has been active despite earlier reports of her death. The Maryland State Police are collaborating with federal law enforcement on this case, as LaSota and her associates have been implicated in incidents including stabbings and a recent homicide.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Scientists Warn of Possible Cosmic Chaos for Earth in Billions of Years

A recent study published in the journal Icarus raises concerns about the potential impact of a passing star on Earth's orbit over the next five billion years. Researchers led by Nathan Kaib from the Planetary Science Institute indicate that there is about a five percent chance a wayward star could approach within 100 astronomical units of our solar system, significantly affecting the orbits of planets, including Earth. The study suggests that if such an event were to occur, Mercury's orbit could become highly elliptical, potentially resulting in collisions with the Sun or Venus. This scenario could further trigger catastrophic consequences, sending Venus or Mars hurtling toward Earth. However, the researchers note that the probability of these events happening is only 0.2 percent. Kaib emphasized that previous estimates had severely underestimated the likelihood of significant orbital changes within our solar system. The research hints at historical alterations in Earth's climate, previously attributed to similar celestial events. "It's a little scary how vulnerable we may be to planetary chaos," commented Renu Malhotra, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona, highlighting the delicate balance of cosmic forces at play.
USUnited States

Earth's Oxygen-Rich Era Could End in a Billion Years, Scientists Warn

A study led by researchers from Toho University and Georgia Institute of Technology indicates that Earth's atmosphere may revert to a low-oxygen state within a billion years. According to environmental scientist Kazumi Ozaki, this shift could mirror conditions from approximately 2.4 billion years ago before the Great Oxidation Event. The research suggests that rising solar radiation will trigger a significant drop in atmospheric oxygen, potentially obliterating most life forms reliant on oxygen, including humans. The team employed extensive simulations, estimating that the habitable period characterized by oxygen-rich conditions may last only 20-30% of Earth's total lifespan. As atmospheric oxygen declines, less carbon dioxide will result in fewer photosynthesizing organisms, exacerbating the oxygen shortage. Lead researcher Chris Reinhard noted that future Earth might transition to a methane-rich atmosphere devoid of ozone, favoring anaerobic life forms. This study, part of the NASA NExSS project, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond oxygen for biosignatures in the search for extraterrestrial life. The findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
USUnited States

Molotov Cocktail Attack Targets Boulder Jewish Community

A disturbing incident occurred in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, during a demonstration calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, when a man threw a Molotov cocktail at members of the Jewish community. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was apprehended by police and charged with multiple counts, according to FBI officials. Witnesses reported that Soliman shouted "Free Palestine" while igniting the firebombs, resulting in injuries to six individuals aged between 67 and 88. As ascertained by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the attack was classified as a "targeted terrorist attack." Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the ADL, condemned the violence, linking it to a global rise in antisemitism and stating, "This is precisely where anti-Jewish incitement leads." Videos on social media captured the chaotic aftermath, revealing individuals attempting to provide first aid as police responded to the scene. The FBI's Ben Williamson emphasized the seriousness of the attack, marking it as the second incident targeting the Jewish community within two weeks.
USUnited States