The Ziz cult, at least three of whom are suspects in the January 20 homicide of Border Patrol agent David Maland, has been the focus of plenty of investigative journalism. The latest narrative is about the cult’s misconceived plan to live aboard a tugboat in San Francisco Bay – as reported by Substack columnist Matt Osborne on his Substack page, The Distance.

Here’s a VDC summary of Osborne’s Feb. 8 report, “All Aboard the Transgender Death Cult Tugboat, Destination Unknown.”

Jack Amadeus ‘Ziz’ LaSota, along with some friends, bought a tugboat named the Caleb in 2017, intending to live on it rent-free in the San Francisco Bay area while figuring out how to save the world. 

LaSota believed his transgender identity was the source of his genius, and he thought people would pay to live on the boat with him and help him with his mission. However, the venture did not go well, and the boat was eventually abandoned.

The boat became a costly problem, with the San Mateo County Harbor District attempting to sue LaSota and others for $100,000 in towing and cleaning fees.

The group, known as the Zizians, became a problem for others and were described as “shabby” and “feral humans”.

Living quarters on the boat were filthy and disorganized, with sex toys and lingerie in plain view.

At least five people are dead, including two members of the group, and LaSota and others are missing.

The group transitioned to living in “stealth RVs” designed by Gwen Danielson, which were box trucks with solar panels and other modifications. Danielson was also known to have ADHD and autism and talked to himself constantly.

There were reports of unusual activities, including a cache of samurai swords and a pot that appeared to be set up for putting bodies in, suggesting that they may have intended to kill, freeze, and dispose of bodies.

The group gave off a threatening vibe, with LaSota, known as “Jedi Jack,” seen lurking around at night in a black robe.

The group adopted a secretive, anti-social lifestyle, entering and exiting their box trucks through holes cut in the floor.

The group is now wanted by the FBI.

The reporting on this group has been controversial, with some noting that the media, including the daily San Francisco Chronicle, seemed to avoid using male pronouns when referring to the group, and only challenged LaSota’s ideas when they were clearly not rooted in his transgenderism.