Official statements from the US Department of Justice or other relevant authorities

21-Year-Old Neo-Nazi Leader's Santa Claus Plot to Poison Brooklyn Children Foiled by FBI

Jul 17, 2024, 06:40 AM

Federal authorities have disrupted a neo-Nazi plot led by Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old Georgian national and leader of the 'Maniac Murder Cult.' Chkhikvishvili allegedly planned to have an associate dress as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to racial minorities and Jewish children in Brooklyn, New York City. The plot, which aimed to sow terror during New Year's Eve, was foiled by the FBI when Chkhikvishvili unknowingly pitched his plan to an undercover agent. Chkhikvishvili has been indicted by a federal grand jury for soliciting hate crimes and planning a mass casualty attack. He was arrested by Moldovan authorities on July 6.