Earlier today, Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national and leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions on how to make bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York in May 2025.
Authorities said Chkhikvishvili recruited individuals to commit violent acts aligned with the ideologies of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated extremist group. He planned and solicited a mass casualty attack in New York City.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents. Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York added, “The defendant has admitted his vile actions, including recruiting others to commit acts of violence against Jewish and racial minority children. His incitement of hate crimes resulted in real-world violence. This prosecution shows that our Office will protect all communities from evildoers like the defendant from wherever they spew their hate.”
Nocella commended the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force—which includes members from over 50 agencies—for its role in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition with help from several U.S. government entities and Moldovan authorities.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg commented: “Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety. Unfortunately, his efforts on behalf of the aptly named Maniac Murder Cult in fact caused mayhem and death. We condemn his despicable ideology and will use every tool at our disposal to bring such predators to justice.”
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia stated: “Michail Chkhikvishvili actively encouraged his recruits of his Maniac Murder Cult to incite mass violence targeted at Jewish individuals and other minorities, including orders to bomb Jewish facilities and poison Jewish children. His vile propensity for discriminatory violence sparked actual attacks and casualties not only in this country, but across the globe. The FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force will not tolerate anyone to solicit unnecessary death and harm out of prejudice and hate.”
Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD, said: “Michail Chkhikvishvili plotted extensive terrorist attacks targeting Jewish New Yorkers, including horrific plans to poison children. This wasn’t just violent behavior — it was extreme antisemitism rooted in Neo-Nazi ideology that put communities here and around the world at risk. All New Yorkers deserve a city where they can live free from fear, regardless of their religious identity, and this guilty plea makes one thing clear: The NYPD will never tolerate hate or bias-fueled violence in any form. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, the FBI, the Justice Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bringing Michail Chkhikvishvili to justice.”
Court documents state that after traveling to Brooklyn in June 2022, Chkhikvishvili used encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram starting July 2022 to encourage others—often through an undercover FBI employee—to commit violent acts for Maniac Murder Cult.
Since September 2021 he distributed a manifesto called “Hater’s Handbook,” which encourages readers to carry out mass violence such as school shootings.
In November 2023 he solicited bombings and arsons targeting racial minorities through communications with an undercover agent; by January he directed that Jewish schools be targeted using poison-laced candy distributed by someone dressed as Santa Claus.
Prosecutors linked Chkhikvishvili’s encouragements directly or indirectly with multiple global attacks:
– In January 2025 a student killed one person at Antioch High School in Nashville before dying by suicide; prior statements attributed responsibility partly to Maniac Murder Cult.
– In August 2024 an attacker stabbed several people outside a mosque in Turkey while wearing Nazi symbols; manifestos referenced both Chkhikvishvili personally as well as materials he authored.
Chkhikvishvili faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich along with support from Justice Department officials.
