U.S. federal authorities have charged the alleged leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi group with plotting acts of domestic terrorism, following an investigation that uncovered plans targeting Jewish and minority communities.
A 21-year-old man originally from Georgia, who allegedly led a violent neo-Nazi group, was arraigned in a Brooklyn federal court after being extradited from Moldova. Prosecutors say he orchestrated a plan to distribute poisoned candy to Jewish children and racial minorities.
The defendant, Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as "Commander Butcher," is accused of leading the Maniac Murder Cult, a far-right extremist network that promotes violence against minorities, Jewish communities, and others it labels as "undesirables."
Chkhikvishvili is facing multiple felony counts, including soliciting hate crimes and plotting mass violence. Authorities say his group distributed violent propaganda through Telegram and encouraged attacks inspired by a manifesto called the "Hater's Handbook."
Prosecutors link the cult's ideology to real-world violence, including a school shooting in Nashville this year where a 16-year-old student was killed.
Court documents reveal that since 2022, Chkhikvishvili had visited Brooklyn several times. He allegedly bragged about attacking an elderly Jewish man and instructed others to carry out similar assaults. In 2023, he allegedly recruited an undercover FBI agent into a plan that involved dressing as Santa Claus to hand out poisoned candy to children at Jewish schools and to racial minorities.
He later refined the scheme, reportedly saying that “dead Jewish kids” would make a stronger statement. He also encouraged targeting the homeless, suggesting the government would not care if they died.
His attorney, Samuel Gregory, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and requested a psychiatric evaluation and suicide watch during his detention.
In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the case a grim example of how online hate can fuel dangerous real-world plots. She warned that extremist digital networks are becoming breeding grounds for terrorism aimed at children, families, and minority communities.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities explore the broader activities and influence of the Maniac Murder Cult.
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