NEW YORK, USA – Luigi Mangione, 26, has been formally charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to New York prosecutors on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Court records reveal Mangione faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and charges for possession of a forged document and a weapon silencer.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on 4 December outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. The incident occurred just before a shareholder conference.
The brazen daylight attack has sparked nationwide attention, culminating in Mangione’s arrest five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Arrest at McDonald’s
Mangione was apprehended by Altoona police at a McDonald’s after staff and a customer recognised him from a wanted poster.
Rookie officer Tyler Frye led the arrest, confirming Mangione’s identity when he removed his mask and beanie.
According to police, Mangione initially presented a false ID and gave a fictitious name, but his behaviour reportedly changed when questioned about his recent whereabouts.
Authorities discovered Mangione in possession of a ghost gun resembling the weapon used in the attack and writings criticising the healthcare industry.
Family Reacts with Shock
The Mangione family released a statement through Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione, expressing their devastation.
“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” the statement read.
“We offer prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”
The family stated they were only aware of the facts reported in the media and declined further comment.
High Achiever with Troubling Details
Mangione’s arrest shocked many who knew him.
A former classmate from the Gilman School in Baltimore, where Mangione graduated as valedictorian in 2016, described him as “a smart kid” who always appeared to “do the right thing.”
Mangione went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was inducted into the Eta Kappa Nu Honour Society for Electrical and Computer Engineering.
However, troubling details about Mangione’s past have also surfaced. He was cited in Hawaii in 2023 for entering a restricted state park area.
In court, Mangione pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine.
Prosecution Moves Forward
Mangione is expected to be extradited to New York this week. If convicted, he faces significant prison time.
Prosecutors have described the attack as targeted, pointing to surveillance footage and forensic evidence linking Mangione to the crime.
The murder of Thompson, who had served as UnitedHealthcare’s CEO since 2021, has sent shockwaves through the corporate world.
UnitedHealthcare has not issued a formal statement on the incident but is reportedly cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
The case continues to unfold, with court proceedings expected to begin as soon as Mangione is transferred to New York.
