A young extremist at the centre of a disturbing domestic terror plot has admitted guilt in federal court, exposing a sprawling plan of violence that spanned bombings, school attacks and even a scheme to distribute poison-laced candy. The admission marks a significant moment in U.S. efforts to dismantle loosely organised accelerationist groups that exploit the internet to recruit and radicalise.
Plot Exposed: From Christmas costumes to mass-casualty ambitions
Under the alias “Commander Butcher,” Georgian-born 23-year-old Michail Chkhikvishvili led a group called the “Maniac Murder Cult” and told undercover agents he wanted to execute large-scale terror attacks across the United States. Among the more bizarre elements: using people disguised as Santa Claus handing out poisoned candy, targeting Jewish schools and minorities, and instructing his followers to film extreme violence sent to online audiences.
The scheme even referenced using nails in public-place bombings for maximum effect, as well as distributing a so-called “Haters Handbook” outlining tactics for mass violence.
Radicalisation, recruitment and the convergence of ideologies
Investigators say the cult fused neo-Nazi, Satanist and accelerationist ideas — urging individuals rather than large groups to carry out attacks, thereby redefining how domestic terrorism may operate online.
The plea comes amid growing concern from U.S. intelligence that racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) represent the most active domestic threat.
Legal consequences and broader implications
By pleading guilty, Chkhikvishvili faces up to 18 years behind bars at his March sentencing. In the hearing, he claimed to be dealing with depression and anxiety, stated he had been going to church while detained and expressed remorse.
Federal prosecutors emphasised that such “violent, nihilistic, racist groups” are a persistent threat, as law enforcement tries to grapple with how extremist networks use the internet to export hatred and radicalise young individuals.
