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.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fre...
Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held both tête-à-tête and extended-format meetings with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign ...
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a ...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russi...
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 Novem...
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fresh wave of nationals expelled from the United States is due to arrive within days.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment