A Techno-Cult of the Zizians: Odd and Perilous Group Involved in Advanced Technology
In Depth: The Zizian Group - A Rationalist Collective Marred by Controversy and Allegations of Violence
The Zizians, a loose affiliation of individuals adhering to rationalist, anarchist, and vegan philosophies, have recently come under increased scrutiny due to their links to a series of controversial incidents and violent events in the U.S.
The name Zizians is derived from Ziz LaSota, a transgender woman known for her writings on the purported threat of artificial intelligence. However, LaSota does not officially assume leadership within the group.
The Zizians present an unconventional amalgamation of lifestyles, with discussions on gender identity and marriage licenses overlapping with computer games, as well as a strong emphasis on veganism. They seek to challenge traditional norms, stemming from their roots as an offshoot of the rationalist community, which includes individuals holding bachelor's degrees in various fields, such as computer science.
Although the group eschews official recognition, they have attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security and multiple county sheriff's offices. The Zizians have found themselves entangled in numerous altercations with these agencies, resulting in charged incidents ranging from disorderly conduct to open resistance during routine immigration inspections. Such confrontations have raised public safety concerns due to their propensity for carrying concealed and loaded handguns during traffic stops.
Several tragic events have been connected to the Zizians. At least six deaths have transpired within their circle, making for a striking number, considering the perceived size of the group and their stated mission of saving humanity from the impending threat of artificial intelligence.
One of the most infamous incidents involving the Zizians was the murder of Curtis Lind, during which members renting his property became embroiled in a dispute that culminated in a violent confrontation. Lind fired in self-defense, killing one of his attackers, while another assailant, Alex Leatham, was wounded.
The killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland made national headlines, but the violence began long before. Lind's murder near his property in Vallejo, California, in January 2025, was a particularly shocking turn of events, with Maximilian Snyder, a suspected Zizian, allegedly serving as the killer.
Richard and Rita Zajko, the parents of one Zizian member, lost their lives on New Year's Eve 2022, with their daughter, Michelle, named as a person of interest. Furthermore, Michelle was apprehended by police in a hotel room in Pennsylvania after officers discovered a gun on the property, along with shooting range targets. To date, Michelle remains embroiled in a complex legal drama, with additional charges being filed.
In addition to these violent incidents, the Zizians have faced internal conflicts, not all of which have escalated into physical violence. Disputes within the rationalist group have resulted in ongoing feuds and disagreements on topics such as effective altruism, epistemology, and veganism.
Cases of deception have also marred the Zizians' reputation, with incidents such as the claimed drowning of Ziz LaSota in the San Francisco Bay later revealed to be a hoax.
Legal proceedings involving the Zizians continue to captivate the public, with reports of court hearings centering on disputes over tactical clothing and carrying concealed weapons without permits. Meanwhile, the various murder cases involving the group remain under investigation.
The volatile and mysterious nature of the Zizians ensures their continued vulnerability to public and legal scrutiny, with their controversial activities and connections to violent incidents generating widespread concern. Despite labeling the group as radical or cult-like by various media outlets, the Zizians do not officially identify as such.
The Zizian Group, infamous for their controversial activities and violent events, have been spotted engaging in discussions about general news, including crime and justice, as well as delving into the realms of science and space, due to their members' backgrounds in computer science and their interest in artificial intelligence. Consequently, the group's activities continue to draw attention from law enforcement agencies and the public alike, as legal proceedings and investigations into various murder cases involving the Zizians persist.
