Latest news with #Neo-Nazi
USA Today
24-05-2025
- USA Today
Neo-Nazi leader accused of inspiring school shooting, plotting NYC attack extradited to US
Neo-Nazi leader accused of inspiring school shooting, plotting NYC attack extradited to US Show Caption Hide Caption Antioch High School student-led rally to honor Josselin Corea Escalante Students and local politicians attend a student-led rally to honor Josselin Corea Escalante at Antioch High School in Antioch, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. The 17-year-old Tennessee school shooter said before the attack he was acting on behalf of the group MKY. The leader of MKY, a Georgian national, was extradited to the U.S. and arraigned in New York on May 23. The charges relate to Michail Chkhikvishvili's alleged training of an undercover agent on how to carry out a mass poisoning. Federal officials extradited an international neo-Nazi group leader they say inspired a teen to commit a school shooting in Tennessee earlier this year and plotted to commit a mass casualty attack in New York City targeting Jewish people. The terrorist group's leader, 21-year-old Michail Chkhikvishvili, orchestrated deadly attacks around the globe, prosecutors said. The citizen of the nation of Georgia was extradited from Moldova on May 22 after he was arrested in July. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Brooklyn on May 23, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ said the man, who went by the name "Commander Butcher," was the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, which goes by several other names including MKY. Chkhikvishvili has distributed a writing called the "Hater's Handbook," encouraging people to commit acts of mass violence and "ethnic cleansing," according to court filings. His "solicitations of violence" led to international attacks, including a 2024 stabbing outside a mosque in Turkey, prosecutors said. Chkhikvishvili targeted the U.S. as a site for more attacks because of the ease of accessing firearms, prosecutors said in court records. He told an undercover law enforcement employee, 'I see USA as big potential because accessibility to firearms and other resources,' in an electronic message sent Sept. 8, 2023, court filings show. It was not clear if Chkhikvishvili had an attorney who could speak on his behalf 'Murder cult' leader plotted to poison Jewish kids in NYC, feds say Chkhikvishvili has been indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on four counts including solicitation of violent felonies. The charges stemmed from Chkhikvishvili's communications with an undercover FBI employee in which he trained and encouraged the undercover agent to carry out a mass attack against Jewish people and minorities. Chkhikvishvili corresponded with the undercover agent between September 2023 and at least March 2024. The plot included having an individual wearing a Santa Claus costume hand out poisoned candies to Jewish kids in New York City on New Year's Eve. It later evolved into targeting Jewish people on a larger scale. Chkhikvishvili said he wanted the attack to be a "bigger action than Breivik," prosecutors said. Breivik refers to Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in a massacre in Norway in 2011 that targeted mostly teenagers at a camp. "His goal was to spread hatred, fear, and destruction by encouraging bombings, arson, and even poisoning children," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said last year. The MKY group is based in Russia and Ukraine but has members around the world, including the U.S., according to a federal complaint. Members adhere to neo-Nazi ideology promoting violence against racial minorities. Chkhikvishvili allegedly inspired Tennessee school shooting The man's arrest came before the deadly attack at Antioch High School on Jan. 22, 2025. However, prosecutors in the New York federal court linked the Antioch shooting to Chkhikvishvili's solicitations of violence in a court filing on May 23, the Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial. They pointed to several ways his actions have 'directly resulted in real violence,' including the shooting at Antioch High School. According to the prosecutors, the 17-year-old attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of MKY and at least one other group in an audio recording posted online before the shooting. It is not clear if the shooter was a member of MKY or had contact with Chkhikvishvili or other members of the terrorist organization. Chkhikvishvili said the group asks for video of brutal beatings, arson, explosions or murders to join the group, adding that the victims should be 'low race targets.' Chkhikvishvili's name also appeared in the document the DOJ said was written by the Antioch shooter – a 300-page writing in which the shooter espoused misanthropic White supremacist and Nazi ideologies. The shooter also referred to the founder of MKY and said he would write the founder's name on his gun, according to prosecutors. Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, died after the 17-year-old shot her with a pistol in the cafeteria of Antioch High School. Another student was injured during the attack. The shooter, 17-year-old student Solomon Henderson, then shot and killed himself. Contributing: Michael Loria, USA TODAY
Global News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
In briefing to minister, RCMP warns of 488% jump in terrorism charges
The number of terrorism charges laid in Canada jumped 488 per cent last year amid rising youth radicalization, the RCMP wrote to the public safety minister. The RCMP's ministerial briefing binder, posted on a government website this week, said violent extremism remained 'a prominent national security threat.' 'Canadian police have foiled six terrorist plots in the last 12 months alone, with arrests spanning from Edmonton to Ottawa to Toronto,' the briefing said. Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, 25 suspects were accused of 83 terrorism-related charges, 'representing a 488% increase,' the RCMP wrote. Three minors and six young adults were among those charged, and another eight youths faced terrorism peace bonds, signalling a 'rise in youth radicalization.' Online platforms were 'contributing to substantial youth engagement with violent extremist ideologies and an increase in the number of youth subjects of interest,' the document said. Story continues below advertisement 'This increase in violent extremism has not seen a parallel increase in resourcing.' 2:15 Suspect shouted 'Free Palestine' after fatal shooting near D.C. Jewish museum The 75-page document was prepared in December when David McGuinty became public safety minister during the final months of Justin Trudeau's government. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy It was released publicly on Wednesday, after Prime Minister Mark Carney handed the public safety portfolio to Liberal MP Gary Anandarasangaree. Briefing binders are supposed to inform cabinet ministers about the priorities, challenges and workings of the departments within their new realms. The RCMP package identified violent extremism as a 'hot issue,' along with foreign interference, hate crimes, the Canada-U.S. border and opioids. U.S. President Donald Trump has justified his trade war against Canada with claims that fentanyl smuggling across the northern border was a 'grave threat' to America. Story continues below advertisement But there is 'little to no evidence' to back that assertion, the RCMP document said. The police force said it was nonetheless 'committed to working with international partners' on the matter. The government's demands on the RCMP have 'stretched the organization beyond its current capabilities and capacity,' the briefing warned the minister. 'The RCMP cannot continue to effectively deliver on the full breadth of its federal mandate without addressing significant resourcing challenges.' 2:08 Neo-Nazi terrorism group worries law enforcement agencies as 2 Ontario men arrested The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has also said it was seeing a 'concerning increase' in extremism, but it does not believe the national terrorism threat level needs to be raised. The recent spike in terrorism is linked partly to renewed interest in the so-called Islamic State. Since 2023, police have disrupted several ISIS-linked plots, including an alleged bombing of a pro-Israel rally on Parliament Hill. Story continues below advertisement Other foiled attacks targeted Calgary Pride events and an unknown location in Toronto. An arrest in Quebec allegedly stopped an attack planned in New York City. Three Canadian women who were part of ISIS in Syria have also been charged with terrorism, while a handful of others are on peace bonds that limit their movements. Last week, an ISIS financier pleaded guilty in a Toronto court to raising money for Gaza through crowdfunding and sending it to the terrorist group's overseas handlers. Meanwhile, members of far-right groups have increasingly been charged with terrorism offences for activities such as producing hate propaganda. 'Violent extremism is on the rise worldwide and constitutes a prominent national security threat,' the RCMP told the minister. In cases where charges can't be laid, police are using 'disruptive measures' and terrorism peace bonds, it said. Earlier this month, Global News reported a Yemeni citizen was arrested on a terrorism peace bond on April 19 as he was allegedly trying to leave Toronto to join an Iranian-backed terrorist group.
Metro
14-05-2025
- Metro
Man shot by armed police after double stabbing in Huyton
A man has been shot by armed police following a double stabbing. Officers were called to a report that a man and a woman had been stabbed in the Tobruk Road area of Huyton, near Liverpool, at 4.25pm on Wednesday. Armed response officers attended, and the suspect was shot by police marksmen. He has been taken to hospital for treatment. The man and woman who were assaulted have also been taken to hospital where their condition is described as serious but stable. Police said an investigation is under way to establish the circumstances of the incident and the road was cordoned off. Officers remained at the scene and were carrying out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries. The force said it has notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard procedure in these circumstances, and added that the watchdog has begun its independent investigation. Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: 'I know that people who live in this area of Huyton and the wider communities of Merseyside will be shocked by this incident. 'We are still in the very early stages of investigating and part of our initial inquiries will be to establish the full circumstances of what happened. 'In the meantime, I want to reassure the public that Merseyside Police is committed to keeping our communities safe and we take all reports of incidents involving weapons extremely seriously. 'This was an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else. All three people have been taken to hospital to be assessed for their various injuries. 'The IOPC will now conduct an independent investigation and we will be co-operating fully with their investigation in the coming days and weeks.' More Trending An IOPC spokesperson said: 'We have begun an investigation into an incident where a person has been shot by Merseyside Police in Huyton. 'After being notified by the force, we declared an independent investigation shortly before 7pm. 'We have sent investigators to attend the police post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence this evening. 'Our investigation is in its initial stages and no further information is available at this time.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Inside 'degrading' Georgian prison where British teen could spend the rest of her life MORE: Neo-Nazi extremists built 3D-printed gun while plotting 'real-world attack' MORE: Girl, 14, dies at home with man and woman arrested over 'unexplained' death
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Federal jury finds Texas man guilty of threatening Nashville DA's life
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A federal jury found a Texas man guilty of threatening to 'lynch and kill' the District Attorney General for Nashville and Davidson County, according to the Department of Justice. A press release from the DOJ said that on July 14, 2024, members of Goyim Defense League, described as a 'national and international network of antisemitic provocateurs who espouse vitriolic antisemitism' online, were protesting in downtown Nashville. PREVIOUS: Texas man charged with 'threatening to lynch and kill' Nashville District Attorney While in the city, GDL members reportedly posted about their activities on social media platforms — including Telegram. A Telegram user associated with the GDL — later identified as 60-year-old David Aaron Bloyed — allegedly posted threats against DA Glenn Funk. The DOJ said that Bloyed posted an image of Funk with the caption 'Getting the rope,' and a finger emoji pointed toward the image. Posts allegedly also included a photograph of someone hanging by the neck from a gallows. Law enforcement officers reportedly identified another social media account with a nearly identical username belonging to Bloyed containing nearly identical threats. 'The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI's commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community,' Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, David J. Scott, said. 'This criminal behavior and these disgusting threats will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the nation to investigate, identify, and hold those accountable who threaten violence and harm to specific communities and people.' GDL members also encountered an employee at a Nashville bar and a fight broke out, the DOJ said. Ultimately, a GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the employee repeatedly with a metal flagpole that had a swastika affixed to the top. RELATED: Neo-Nazi protester charged with assaulting Nashville bartender with flag 'The defendant's heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who have chosen to serve. As today's verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated,' Head of the DOJ's National Security Division, Sue J. Bai, said. 'I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their swift and determined work to bring justice in this case.' Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nine arrested over 'Hitler birthday party' in pub
Nine people have been arrested and weapons and Nazi memorabilia seized after a group "celebrated Adolf Hitler's birthday" in an Oldham pub. Members of the far-right group British Movement North West posted pictures online of themselves eating a cake with swastika icing and appeared to hold up Nazi flags at the Duke of Edinburgh in Market Street, Royton, last month. The pub's owners said its staff had been tricked by the group, who had allegedly concealed their Nazi paraphernalia. Greater Manchester Police said it had conducted morning raids across Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport and Southport seizing swords, a crossbow, imitation firearms and a suspected grenade. The force said the nine had been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, including displaying written material intended to stir up racial hatred. GMP said "as a matter of course" it had been in contact with Counter Terrorism Policing North West who had "offered advice" on some of the materials seized. The owners of the Duke of Edinburgh pub said last month its staff had been tricked by the far-right group [Google] Following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Army bomb disposal experts were deployed and the item was declared safe. The force said officers remained at some of the properties while searches continued, and extra patrols had been deployed to reassure residents. Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: "This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. "We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm." She said that while the investigation was at an early stage the force did not believe there was a wider threat to the public. A website run by the Neo-Nazi group described the event as a celebration of the "136th birthday of Uncle A". The write-up described "laughter and lively conversation" with members reminiscing "about the good times while planning their future BM escapades". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Related internet links
