UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder: Suspect Faces Charges in Shocking Case

Photo: Reuters

US authorities have charged Luigi Mangione, 26, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge classified as an "act of terrorism." The charges stem from the December 4 shooting in Manhattan, which led to a nationwide manhunt before Mangione was captured at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Mangione faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. Bragg explained that the terrorism-related charge was included because the crime met the legal criteria for such a designation, describing the incident as a deliberate act intended to instill fear and provoke public reaction. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

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Mangione is also charged with multiple weapon-related offenses. Authorities allege he used a 3D-printed "ghost gun" with a suppressor during the attack, firing at Thompson once in the back and once in the leg. Bragg expressed concern over the proliferation of ghost guns, noting that over 80 such weapons and related parts were recovered in Manhattan last year.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage and public debate, with some social media users disturbingly praising the attack. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned these reactions, describing them as "shocking and appalling."

Investigators suggest Mangione may have been motivated by a severe back injury but found no evidence that he was ever a client of UnitedHealthcare. Upon his arrest, Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system. Forensic evidence, including fingerprints and shell casings, further ties him to the crime scene.

 to authorities, Mangione traveled to  on November 24 with the intention of killing Thompson. On December 4, he allegedly waited outside Thompson’s hotel for nearly an hour before carrying out the attack. Bragg described the murder as "well-planned and targeted" and said it was intended to provoke shock and fear.

Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania, where he is fighting extradition to New York. He is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Thursday.