Current:Home > reviews"Maniac Murder Cult" Leader Allegedly Plotted to Poison Kids With Candy Given Out by Santa Claus -TradeBridge
"Maniac Murder Cult" Leader Allegedly Plotted to Poison Kids With Candy Given Out by Santa Claus
View
Date:2025-04-14 00:35:38
It was the "Maniac Murder Cult" leader who allegedly tried to steal Christmas.
Michail Chkhikvishvili, the alleged leader of the White Supremacist Group also known as MMC, was charged on July 15 with planning an attack that involved having a person dressed as Santa Claus hand out poisoned candy to young racial minorities, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated in a press release.
The scheme—allegedly intended to take place on New Year's Eve—also included step-by-step instructions on providing sweets laced with ricin-based poisons to kids at Jewish schools in Brooklyn, New York, per the release.
Chkhikvishvili's alleged plan was brought to light after a law enforcement employee went undercover as a member of the extremist group, which adheres to Neo-Nazi ideologies and promotes violent acts against racial minorities, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
But poisoning children wasn't the only plot that the alleged leader—often nicknamed "Commander Butcher"—is accused of devising. Since 2021, Chkhikvishvili allegedly distributed a "Hater's Handbook" to all new recruits, a manifesto that allegedly stated he has "murdered for the white race" and encouraged others to commit "terror attacks" at "large outdoor festivals, conventions, celebrations and parades," the press release stated.
Additionally, the pamphlet instructed members to carry out school shootings and use children to execute suicide bombings, per the release.
"His goal was to spread hatred, fear and destruction by encouraging bombings, arson and even poisoning children," United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said in a July 18 statement, "for the purpose of harming racial minorities, the Jewish community and homeless individuals."
Peace added, "We will not hesitate to find and prosecute those who threaten the safety and freedoms of all members of our community, including members of minority communities, no matter where in the world these criminals might be hiding.”
If convicted, the Georgia native faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for solicitation of violent felonies, five years for conspiring to solicit violent felonies, five years for transmitting threatening communications and 20 years for distributing information pertaining to the making and use of explosive devices.
“Today’s charges underscore the dedication of our Joint Terrorism Task Force and our partners in New York in safeguarding our nation’s security," FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said in a statement. "The swift disruption of this individual, accused of allegedly plotting violent attacks in New York, sends a clear message: we will use every resource in our power to ensure the safety of the American people."
E! News reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for additional comment but has not heard back. Chkhikvishvili did not have a lawyer on record to reach for comment.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul referee handled one of YouTuber's biggest fights
- As Northeast wildfires keep igniting, is there a drought-buster in sight?
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Target will be closed on Thanksgiving: Here’s when stores open on Black Friday
- Mississippi man charged with shooting 5 people after not being allowed into party
- Isiah Pacheco injury updates: When will Chiefs RB return?
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Jana Duggar Reveals She's Adjusting to City Life Amid Move Away From Farm
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Trump’s economic agenda for his second term is clouding the outlook for mortgage rates
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight odds will shift the longer the heavyweight bout goes
- John Krasinski named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- My Chemical Romance returns with ‘The Black Parade’ tour
- Ariana Grande Shares Dad's Emotional Reaction to Using His Last Name in Wicked Credits
- Why Outer Banks Fans Think Costars Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey Used Stunt Doubles Amid Rumored Rift
Recommendation
Small twin
Oil Industry Asks Trump to Repeal Major Climate Policies
Trump’s economic agenda for his second term is clouding the outlook for mortgage rates
2 dead in explosion at Kentucky factory that also damaged surrounding neighborhood
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Why Kathy Bates Decided Against Reconstruction Surgery After Double Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
Man jailed after Tuskegee University shooting says he fired his gun, but denies shooting at anyone
Ben Foster Files for Divorce From Laura Prepon After 6 Years of Marriage