The person behind the killing of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson last week in New York City, authorities said, is a 26-year-old man named Luigi Mangione, of Maryland. He was captured in Altoona, Pennsylvania. According to officials, Mangione was first hit with charges regarding the firearms laws and forgery. The police taken Mangione into custody in Pennsylvania, where he is facing extradition to New York, on additional counts of possessing a loaded firearm, forged documents, and criminal weapon possession.
Police say Mangione used a phony New Jersey ID to check into a hostel near the Upper West Side ahead of the shooting. He was arrested after a McDonald’s employee in Altoona recognized him from police bulletins and called authorities. Mangione was found carrying a ghost gun capable of firing 9mm rounds, a suppressor, and multiple fake IDs, including the one allegedly used in New York.
The shooting took place outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson’s company was hosting an investor conference. Surveillance footage shows the gunman carefully targeting Thompson and firing at him at point-blank range before biking away through Central Park and out of the city by bus. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the weapon and suppressor recovered from Mangione match the ones used in the crime.
Officials are now investigating Mangione’s writings and timeline to determine motive. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, investigators believe he acted alone. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the McDonald’s employee who reported Mangione, calling them a “hero.”
UnitedHealth Group said it is grateful for the work of law enforcement and extended condolences to Thompson’s family and colleagues. It called the shooting an “unspeakable tragedy.” Detectives are still reconstructing Mangione’s movements and analyzing evidence to firm up the case against him.
