The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been formally charged with terrorism, Manhattan prosecutors announced Tuesday. Luigi Mangione, who was previously charged with murder for the December 4 killing, he now faces new criminal charges under New York law, as reported by news agency Associated Press. Prosecutors alleged that Mangione's actions were intended to intimidate and coerce, targeting civilians and government entities.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the murder as a “targeted and well-planned” attack, intended to “cause shock, intimidation, and fear in one of New York City’s busiest areas.”
The incident
Thompson, 50, was shot on his way to a Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was hosting an investor meeting. Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the United States.
The attack, which happened during morning rush hour in a busy part of the city, raised public safety concerns. Bragg emphasised the violent and shocking nature of the murder, saying it puts local residents, tourists, travelers and business professionals alike at risk.
Arrest and extradition proceedings
Mangione, 26, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, days after he was found outside a McDonald’s. He was found in possession of the weapon allegedly used in the murder, a passport and a fake ID.
Mangione has been charged with firearm and forgery crimes in Pennsylvania and is being held without bond. His attorney contested the forgery charge and the basis for the gun-related charges, and also said Mangione plans to fight extradition to New York.
The suspect is scheduled for two court hearings in Pennsylvania on Thursday, including an extradition hearing.
Possible Motive: Anger Toward Health Insurance
Investigators believed Mangione's actions were motivated by anger at the US health care system. He was carrying a handwritten note at the time of his arrest, criticising health insurance companies for being “a parasite” and denouncing corporate corruption, the congressional report reported.
Mangione, an Ivy League computer science graduate from a prominent family in Maryland, has previously expressed frustration with the medical profession on social media. He frequently wrote about his experiences with spine surgery and chronic pain, and advising others to praise themselves when seeking treatment.
Even so, UnitedHealthcare insisted that Mangione was never a customer of the insurer.
A life cut short
Brian Thompson, a married father of two high school-aged children, was raised on an Iowa farm and trained as an accountant. He spent 20 years with UnitedHealth Group, taking over in 2021 as CEO of its insurance company.
Thompson's death sparked a nationwide conversation about the frustration with the US health care system as Americans shared their own stories of denied coverage, bureaucratic delays and expensive medical bills.
Mangione's case attracted widespread attention, both because of its sensational nature and its connection to major complaints against the health care industry. Prosecutors continue to pursue charges, arguing that the murder has had a significant impact on public safety and social fears.
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