Police Arrest Alleged Leader of “Roko’s Basilisk” Cult Linked to Multiple Murders

Over the weekend, authorities successfully captured Jack “Ziz” DeSota, a mysterious individual believed to be the leader of a group known as the “Zizians.” This group has been linked to a series of puzzling murders that span across the country.

At the center of this strange saga is AI researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky and his LessWrong forum, which was the platform for the obscure internet theory called “Roko’s Basilisk.” This theory, introduced in 2010 by a user named “Roko,” revolves around a future artificial superintelligence that would punish humans who were aware of its potential existence but did not contribute to its creation. This concept caused quite a stir online, with users fearing dire consequences for merely learning about it.

Ziz, described as a militant vegan, and her followers connect their strong beliefs in animal rights to various political and philosophical ideologies. While their rationalism shares roots with Yudkowsky’s concept of Rationality, it diverges significantly in practice, resulting in a series of violent acts.

Law enforcement officials and online sleuths are buzzing about Ziz’s recent arrest in connection to multiple murders, including the killing of a Border Patrol agent and the double murder of a follower’s parents in 2022.

Although the public is just now becoming aware of this peculiar alleged cult and its enigmatic leader, warnings about the Zizians have circulated within the LessWrong community for years. An old post raised concerns about the group’s potential for physical violence, citing Ziz’s repeated calls for harm against various groups.

For those unfamiliar with rationalism, this unfolding narrative may seem unbelievable. However, for those closely connected to the victims of the cult’s actions, the ordeal has been ongoing for far too long.

If you want to learn more about the Zizians, check out the article titled “Members of AI Fringe Group Arrested for Two Killings.” It delves deeper into the disturbing events surrounding this group.