A neo-Nazi leader’s sinister plan to poison children in New York City has been thwarted. Authorities arrested Michail Chkhikvishvili, who aimed to sow terror with deadly candy. His chilling manifesto incited mass violence.
Extremist Leader Charged with Terror Plot
A leader of a neo-Nazi extremist group, dubbed the Maniac Murder Cult, faces charges for planning a heinous act. He allegedly intended to have a member dress as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to Jewish children in New York City.
Prosecutors Reveal Terror Plan
Prosecutors disclosed on Tuesday that the plan aimed to instill terror in the city. This plot reflects the group’s broader strategy to sow chaos.
Leader’s Identity and Origins
Michail Chkhikvishvili, known by various nicknames including Commander Butcher, is at the helm of this extremist faction. Based in eastern Europe, he orchestrates the group’s activities.
Indictment and Charges
Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old from the Republic of Georgia, faces four charges, including soliciting hate crimes. The US Department of Justice released a statement outlining these accusations.
Group’s Ideological Stand
The Maniac Murder Cult promotes a neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology. Their violent agenda targets racial minorities, the Jewish community, and other groups they deem undesirable.
Objective to Disrupt Social Order
The group’s goal is to disrupt social order and government stability through terrorism. This announcement came from high-ranking officials within the Justice Department and FBI.
Arrest and Undercover Operation
Chkhikvishvili was apprehended after trying to enlist an undercover officer into his group. He sought to orchestrate bombings and arson attacks.
Plans for Mass Casualty Event
In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili initiated plans for a mass casualty event in New York City on New Year’s Eve. Prosecutors detailed this scheme, which involved poisoning candy for children in Brooklyn.
Detailed Scheme and Lethal Manuals
Chkhikvishvili meticulously drafted step-by-step instructions for his terror plot. He also shared detailed manuals on creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases with an undercover officer.
Manifesto and Incitement to Violence
Since September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has circulated a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook.” In it, he claims to have murdered for the white race and encourages others to commit similar violent acts.
Encouragement of Mass Attacks
The handbook explicitly promotes school shootings and using children for suicide bombings. It details methods for mass terror attacks, such as targeting large events and crowded streets with vehicles.
Visits to New York City
Chkhikvishvili visited New York City at least twice in 2022, staying with his paternal grandmother in Brooklyn. These visits are part of his broader plans to execute violent schemes.
Potential Legal Consequences
If convicted, Chkhikvishvili faces severe penalties. He could receive up to 20 years for solicitation of violent felonies, among other significant sentences for his crimes.
