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Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 22-year-old from the Republic of Georgia known as "Commander Butcher," pleaded guilty on Monday (November 17) in a Brooklyn federal court to plotting violent attacks against Jews and racial minorities. As the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, Chkhikvishvili admitted to soliciting hate crimes and distributing instructions for making bombs and ricin.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Chkhikvishvili planned to dress as Santa Claus to hand out poisoned candy to children, specifically targeting Jewish schools in Brooklyn. His actions were part of a broader effort to incite violence through the Maniac Murder Cult, an extremist group promoting racial and religious warfare. Chkhikvishvili's plans included recruiting others via Telegram to commit violent acts, and his manifesto, the "Hater’s Handbook," inspired real-life violence, including a school shooting in Nashville.
The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside international partners, played a crucial role in his arrest and extradition from Moldova to the United States in May 2025. The Department of Justice stated that Chkhikvishvili faces up to 40 years in prison for his crimes.
“The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”