A Georgian national known as 'Commander Butcher,' who admitted to plotting a mass-casualty attack targeting Jews and minorities in New York City, was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Details of the Plot
Michail Chkhikvishvili, 22, a leader of the neo-Nazi extremist group Maniac Murder Cult, pleaded guilty in November to soliciting hate crimes and distributing bomb-making and ricin instructions. He was extradited from Moldova to face charges.
Federal authorities revealed that the plot evolved into a plan to poison Jewish children in Brooklyn on New Year's Eve by distributing candy laced with toxins. Chkhikvishvili attempted to recruit someone to dress as Santa Claus and hand out the poisoned candy.
Online Incitement and Manifesto
Prosecutors stated that Chkhikvishvili encouraged followers through Telegram and other online platforms to carry out attacks against Jews, racial minorities, and others. He distributed a manifesto called the 'Hater's Handbook' to promote his violent ideology.
According to court documents, Chkhikvishvili incited attacks in Nashville in 2025 and in Eskisehir, Turkey, in 2024. His activities were closely monitored by law enforcement agencies.
Official Statements
'The defendant is a hate-mongering menace who intended to hurt and kill children in the Jewish community and in other minority communities in New York City,' stated Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Police Department, added: 'As a leader of the white supremacist group Maniac Murder Cult, this defendant concocted hate-fueled, mass-casualty plans and inspired others to commit attacks based on his vile rhetoric.'
'This violent extremist's intentions were clear: harm and kill as many Jews and racial groups as possible, but thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, along with the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, he is now off our streets and being held accountable for his hateful crimes,' Tisch concluded.
The sentencing marks a significant victory in the fight against domestic extremism, demonstrating the commitment of federal and local authorities to protect vulnerable communities from hate-fueled violence.
