An assistant principal in Virginia and his brother were arrested at Norfolk International Airport after federal authorities accused them of planning ambush-style attacks on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

The arrests took place Wednesday, less than a week after the alleged plans were first reported to law enforcement.

John Bennett, 54, an assistant principal at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, and his brother Mark Bennett, 59, were taken into custody as they prepared to board a flight to Las Vegas.

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According to a criminal complaint obtained by WTKR, an off-duty police officer reported overhearing the men discussing ICE operations while dining at a restaurant in Virginia Beach.

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The officer told investigators he heard the brothers claim that ICE agents were “kidnapping individuals and that they need to do something about it.”

The complaint states that Mark Bennett said he intended to travel to Las Vegas to meet with “like-minded” individuals and develop “enforcement ideas and plans.”

Prosecutors said Mark Bennett also claimed he had recently purchased an assault rifle because “it utilizes the explosive rounds that are needed to penetrate the vests” worn by ICE agents.

During the same conversation, John Bennett allegedly told his brother he planned to join him on the trip in order to “go hunting.”

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According to the complaint, Mark Bennett purchased a ticket to travel to Las Vegas on Wednesday.

It remains unclear whether John Bennett had purchased a ticket. Following his arrest, John Bennett was placed on leave from Kempsville High School, WTKR reported.

Records show John Bennett previously worked briefly in law enforcement.

His LinkedIn page states he paused his education career for one year to pursue police work before returning to teach high school mathematics and later moving into administration.

Both brothers are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.

Each was granted bond and released after an arraignment hearing last Thursday, according to 13 News Now.

DHD Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the case in a statement to Fox News.

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“It’s chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers—offering such specifics as to getting a high-caliber rifle that would pierce the law enforcements’ bullet proof vests,” McLaughlin said.

“Thanks to Homeland Security Investigations and our partners, these men are behind bars.”

Attorneys for the brothers have begun responding publicly to the allegations.

Happy O’Brien, who represents Mark Bennett, told the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot that his client maintains his innocence and said Mark Bennett traveled to Las Vegas to attend a Formula One motorsports race with his child.

Federal authorities have not released additional details on the investigation.

The case remains active as both men await further court proceedings.

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