Arrest Made in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing; Police Name ‘Strong Person of Interest’

NEW YORK, USA — A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the NYPD announced Monday, December 9, 2024.

The suspect, identified as Luigi Mangione, was apprehended in Altoona and is being held on weapons charges, police said.

Mangione, who was reportedly found with a gun resembling the one used in the shooting and multiple fake IDs, is described as a “strong person of interest” in the case.

The Arrest

The arrest occurred at a McDonald’s in Altoona, where an employee reported Mangione as suspicious.

Officers discovered a weapon, believed to be a 3D-printed ghost gun capable of firing 9mm rounds, as well as a suppressor, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

“We believe we have a strong person of interest,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters.

Mangione, a Maryland native with ties to San Francisco and a last known address in Hawaii, had no prior arrests.

In addition to the weapon, police recovered handwritten notes detailing his alleged mindset and motivations, which included resentment toward corporate America.

The Killing

Thompson, 48, was shot and killed on December 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan.

Surveillance footage showed the masked gunman approaching Thompson from behind and firing before fleeing on foot and later by bicycle into Central Park.

Forensic evidence recovered at the scene included three shell casings with the words “deny,” “delay,” and “depose” written on them, terms critics associate with the practices of private health insurance companies.

The shooting sent shockwaves through the corporate and healthcare industries, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures for high-profile executives.

Investigation Breakthrough

The suspect’s trail began to unravel after authorities identified him using surveillance footage and forensic evidence.

Police also matched Mangione’s clothing and a fake ID—bearing the name “Marc Rosario”—to records at a New York City hostel where he stayed before the attack.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the fake ID matched the alias used by the gunman, while additional IDs and a U.S. passport were found in Mangione’s possession.

Despite these findings, investigators believe Mangione was not planning an international escape.

“We don’t believe he was trying to flee the country,” Kenny said. “But it does seem that he harbored significant ill will toward corporate America.”

Community and Corporate Reaction

Thompson’s murder has ignited widespread discussions about the safety of corporate leaders, particularly those in contentious industries like healthcare.

Social media has been rife with commentary, with some posts justifying or celebrating the killing due to frustrations with health insurers’ practices.

In a statement, UnitedHealthcare expressed gratitude for the arrest, saying, “Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation.”

Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, had recently received threats but had not altered his travel habits. His wife, Paulette Thompson, acknowledged the warnings but said details were unclear.

“Yes, there had been some threats,” she said in an earlier interview with NBC News. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

Next Steps

Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania, and authorities are working to determine whether he acted alone or had connections to other individuals or groups.

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to further arrests or charges, in addition to $10,000 already pledged by Crime Stoppers and the NYPD.

As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to Thompson’s death, the case highlights not only the vulnerabilities of high-profile executives but also the growing tensions surrounding America’s healthcare system.