Neo-Nazi Leader Planned NYC Attack
The head of the neo-Nazi group known as the “Maniac Murder Cult” was reportedly planning an attack in New York City, aiming to use someone dressed as Santa Claus on a significant day. Michail “Commander Butcher” Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old Georgian national, is facing charges in the U.S.
According to a letter from the Department of Justice, he was inspired by various violent incidents worldwide, including the tragic Antioch High School shooting that occurred in January.
Prosecutors revealed that before the Nashville shooting, 17-year-old Solomon Henderson recorded statements saying he was acting on behalf of the group, specifically mentioning Chkhikvishvili.
In another incident, Chkhikvishvili was linked to an attack in Turkey where a teenager, wearing Nazi-inspired gear, stabbed five people outside a mosque while live-streaming the event.
After being arrested in Moldova last year, Chkhikvishvili was extradited to the U.S. on Thursday. In Brooklyn federal court, he pleaded not guilty to numerous felony charges, including soliciting hate crimes.
The 22-page criminal complaint detailed his role as a leader and recruiter for the “Maniac Murder Cult,” a neo-Nazi organization that promotes violence against racial minorities and Jews.
Chkhikvishvili, who had previously lived with his grandmother in Brooklyn, published a manifesto titled “Hater’s Handbook,” which encouraged acts of violence, including school shootings.
He was also allegedly connected to a murder livestream in Romania back in April 2022. Reportedly, he had attempted to orchestrate a hate crime in New York City, intending to have someone in a Santa costume distribute poison-laced candy to minorities.
The attack plot fell apart when the person he approached turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.
Additionally, he had plans targeting Jewish children in Brooklyn and disseminated information on bomb-making and poison creation involving castor beans.
The prosecution emphasized that the defendant has shown a persistent capability for violence, often communicating his intentions from the safety of his home. They argued for his detention, citing public safety concerns.
Brooklyn Federal Magistrate Peggy Kuo agreed with the prosecution, recognizing the potential risk he poses to society and classifying him as a flight risk.
Chkhikvishvili’s attorney, Sam Gregory, requested a psychological evaluation and recommended that the suspect be monitored for suicidal tendencies while in detention.
The judge scheduled a status hearing for Chkhikvishvili on June 11th.
