A 21-year-old leader of a neo-Nazi extremist group based in eastern Europe has been charged with plotting a terror attack in New York City. Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as Commander Butcher, allegedly leads the Maniac Murder Cult, an international extremist group promoting violence against racial minorities and the Jewish community.
Chkhikvishvili faces multiple charges, including soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence. Prosecutors revealed that he planned to have an associate dress up as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to Jewish children in Brooklyn to instill fear and chaos.
The Maniac Murder Cult aims to disrupt social order through terrorism and violent acts. Chkhikvishvili was arrested after attempting to recruit an undercover officer to commit bombings and arsons as part of a 'mass casualty event' planned for New Year's Eve in 2023.
Authorities disclosed that Chkhikvishvili had distributed a manifesto titled the 'Hater’s Handbook,' advocating for violence against racial minorities. The document includes instructions for carrying out terror attacks, such as school shootings and suicide bombings targeting minorities.
Chkhikvishvili traveled to New York City at least twice in 2022 and stayed with his grandmother in Brooklyn. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for solicitation of violent felonies, among other charges.
