In a surprising turn of events, a high school assistant principal in Virginia and his brother have been implicated in a serious case involving threats against ICE agents and local police officers. This startling development has drawn considerable attention to the actions of John Bennett, the assistant principal at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, and his brother, Mark Bennett.
According to court documents, the incident came to light when an off-duty officer from the Norfolk Police Department reportedly overheard a conversation between the Bennett brothers at a restaurant in Virginia Beach. During their discussion, the brothers allegedly expressed a desire to take action against ICE agents, whom they accused of “kidnapping individuals,” as reported by WVEC.
The conversation, which took place on November 15 at a local Pho restaurant, allegedly included discussions of plans to target law enforcement. The criminal complaint reveals that Mark Bennett talked about traveling to Las Vegas to meet with “like-minded individuals” to develop “enforcement ideas and plans” upon his return.
This incident has led to the two brothers being charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding, a serious charge that underscores the severity of the allegations. John Bennett’s position at Kempsville High School places him in a role of significant responsibility, making these accusations all the more concerning for the community.
John Bennett is the assistant principal at Kempsville High School. (Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office/Kempsville High School)
The two brothers were charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.
Mark Bennett also said he recently bought an assault rifle as it can fire rounds that would pierce through body armor, then said he wanted to “go hunting,” according to prosecutors.
Mark Bennett allegedly said he bought the assault rifle because “it utilizes the explosive rounds that are needed to penetrate the vests,” according to WTKR.
John Bennett allegedly expressed support of Mark’s ideas and was interested in going to Las Vegas as well.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools told the news outlet that John Bennett is employed at the school district, where he has worked since 2009. While the school district wouldn’t comment on the allegations, a spokesperson said he is on leave from Kempsville High School.
John Bennett was arrested after allegedly planning violence on ICE agents. (Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office)
Attorneys for the suspects said Mark Bennett went to Las Vegas for a Formula 1 race, where he met up with his two sons. The defense attorneys said Mark Bennett was arrested at the Norfolk International Airport.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul W. Neudigate called the allegations “incredibly alarming.”
Mark Bennett allegedly discussed a plan to attack ICE agents. (Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office)
“We are grateful this information was brought to our attention. VBPD was able to work with various law enforcement agencies to assess the credibility of the information, leading to today’s arrests, ensuring the safety of both our law enforcement community and the public at large,” Neudigate said.
The Bennett brothers were granted bond, but can’t talk to each other, cannot have guns, and must stay at their home with a GPS tracker.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Bennett’s attorneys and Virginia Beach City Public Schools for comment.
