The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, shocked the business world. Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in New York City, just moments before entering the venue for the company’s annual investors’ meeting.
The execution-style shooting occurred early in the morning and has been classified as a “targeted, precise” attack.
The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was arrested shortly thereafter in Pennsylvania, but not before leaving behind a troubling clue: a notebook that seemingly detailed his plans and motivations for the crime.
The Manifesto
The handwritten manifesto found with Mangione sheds light on his disturbing mindset and his reasons for targeting Thompson.
According to reports, Mangione wrote, “What do you do? You wack the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention. It’s targeted, precise, and doesn’t risk innocents,” a passage that appears to reflect a chilling level of premeditation.
The term “wack,” used in this context, indicates Mangione’s intent to murder in an organized and targeted way without harm to bystanders
The three-page manifesto begins with a confession and an explanation of Mangione’s ideological convictions. He condemned the growing market capitalization of companies like UnitedHealthcare, which he blamed for exploiting the American public for profit while the country’s life expectancy continued to decline. Mangione appeared to see himself as a vigilante, taking matters into his own hands.
He wrote, “These parasites had it coming,” suggesting that his actions were a form of retribution against what he perceived as corporate greed. Despite the violence of the crime, Mangione expressed some remorse, saying, “I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done.”
A Deeply Personal Motive
Mangione’s actions were not solely driven by his political beliefs. Investigators also uncovered details about his personal life that may have influenced his decision to target Thompson.
Mangione reportedly struggled with chronic back pain due to spinal issues, which caused significant distress in his personal life.
His resentment toward the healthcare system, which he believed failed him, may have fueled his anger against UnitedHealthcare, the very institution he blamed for exacerbating his suffering
Evidence and Arrest
The arrest of Mangione occurred after he was recognized by customers and employees at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Upon his arrest, authorities discovered a ghost gun and multiple fake identification cards in his possession. Additionally, fingerprints collected from the scene of the crime matched Mangione’s, further confirming his involvement in the murder
A Calculated Execution
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has characterized the murder as a meticulously planned and deliberate act.
Former FBI agents and law enforcement experts have weighed in, stating that the execution-style nature of the shooting points to a calculated attack, not a random act of violence.
Mangione’s choice to carry out the killing at a high-profile event where Thompson was about to address investors further underscores the premeditated nature of the crime
Conclusion and Legal Proceedings
Luigi Mangione now faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Brian Thompson.
While the investigation is still ongoing, the chilling manifesto and the methodical execution of the crime suggest that Mangione’s motive was a mix of personal grievance and ideological extremism.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the danger of radicalization and the unsettling potential for individuals to act on deeply held resentments.
The public and legal authorities will no doubt continue to grapple with the implications of this high-profile case, as the murder of a prominent CEO raises questions about the intersection of personal grievances and corporate power.
