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Virginia Assistant Principal and Brother Accused of Plotting Violence Against ICE Agents, Police Say

The assistant principal at Kempsville High School and his brother were arrested after an off-duty officer says he overheard them discussing plans to target ICE agents and local police. Prosecutors allege Mark Bennett planned a trip to Las Vegas to meet "like-minded individuals" and described buying a rifle with rounds that can penetrate body armor; John Bennett allegedly supported the remarks. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding and were released on bond with GPS monitoring and firearms prohibitions.

04:10 AM, 11/22/2025Security
Virginia Assistant Principal and Brother Accused of Plotting Violence Against ICE Agents, Police Say

A Virginia Beach assistant high school principal and his brother have been charged after an off-duty police officer says he overheard them discussing plans to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and local police.

According to court documents, an off-duty Norfolk Police Department officer overheard John Bennett and his brother, Mark Bennett, speaking at a pho restaurant on Nov. 15. The officer reported that the brothers expressed concern about ICE "kidnapping individuals" and said they "needed to do something about" the agency.

Prosecutors allege Mark Bennett told the officer he planned to travel to Las Vegas to meet "like-minded individuals" and return with "enforcement ideas and plans." He is also accused of saying he purchased an assault-style rifle because it fires rounds capable of penetrating body armor and that he wanted to "go hunting." Investigators say John Bennett expressed support for his brother's comments and interest in the proposed trip.

Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding. Authorities say Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport; his lawyers have said his Las Vegas trip was to attend a Formula 1 race and to meet family. John Bennett is an assistant principal at Kempsville High School and has worked for Virginia Beach City Public Schools since 2009; the district says he is currently on leave.

Police response and bond conditions

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul W. Neudigate called the allegations "incredibly alarming," and praised the cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies that led to the arrests. The brothers were released on bond under several conditions: they must not contact each other, are prohibited from possessing firearms, and must remain at home while fitted with GPS monitoring devices.

The investigation remains active. Attorneys for the Bennetts and the school district have been contacted for comment.

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