Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, faces federal charges in Manhattan, escalating the legal battle against him. The charges, unveiled in a federal criminal complaint, include murder through the use of a firearm, stalking, and firearms offenses, adding to the state indictment already in place.
The federal complaint, unsealed in court, details compelling evidence linking Mangione directly to Thompson’s death. Crucially, authorities apprehended Mangione with a loaded 9mm pistol and silencer, matching the weapon used in the fatal shooting. Adding to the weight of the prosecution’s case, Mangione was also found in possession of clothing resembling that worn by the shooter captured on security cameras, a substantial amount of cash, and a notebook containing disturbing entries.
Luigi Mangione, suspect in the health care CEO shooting, being led by law enforcement.
The notebook entries reveal a chilling premeditation and motive. According to the complaint, passages express “hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.” One entry explicitly mentions UnitedHealthcare (referred to as “Company-1”), stating, “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box.” Further entries reference an “investor conference” as a “true windfall” and describe an intent to “wack” the CEO of an insurance company. These writings paint a picture of a targeted attack motivated by a deep-seated animosity towards the health care industry.
Adding another layer to the evidence, a letter addressed “To the Feds” was also discovered. In this letter, Mangione allegedly claims to have acted alone, stating, “I wasn’t working with anyone.” He further adds, “PS you can check serial numbers to verify this is all self-funded,” suggesting a calculated and self-reliant plan. The letter also boasts about the planning involved, describing it as “fairly trivial: some elementary social engineering, basic CAD, a lot of patience.”
Prosecutors presented a detailed timeline of Mangione’s movements leading up to the shooting. Security footage allegedly tracks him from his arrival in New York City by bus from Atlanta on November 24th, to his movements around the hotel where Thompson was killed, and his stay at a hostel under a false name and ID. On the day of the murder, the timeline details his departure from the hostel, his route to the hotel area via electric bike, and his actions just before the shooting, including purchasing items at a coffee shop near the scene. The timeline culminates with the alleged approach and shooting of Thompson around 6:45 am, followed by Mangione’s escape.
Police helicopter transporting the suspect in the health care CEO shooting to New York.
Mangione’s arrest occurred in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after five days on the run. He was found with the alleged murder weapon, fake IDs, and a significant sum of cash. After agreeing to extradition, Mangione was transported to New York, where he made an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. He confirmed his understanding of his rights and the federal charges. His lawyer indicated he would not seek bail, and the court ordered him to remain in custody.
The federal case will proceed alongside the state case, where Mangione faces charges including first-degree murder. The dual legal proceedings underscore the severity of the accusations and the extensive evidence compiled against Mangione in the killing of the health care CEO. The case continues to unfold as the legal system addresses the charges against Luigi Mangione.
