Man charged with killing UnitedHealth executive
A 26-year-old man faces both federal and state charges in connection with the killing of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson. Luigi Mangione was charged in Manhattan with federal murder, stalking, and illegal firearm possession, alongside previously announced state murder and terrorism charges.
Federal prosecutors allege Mangione spent months planning an attack motivated by his animosity toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. A notebook found in his possession contained entries expressing hostility toward the healthcare industry and detailed plans to target an insurance executive at an investor conference.
Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a five-day manhunt after Thompson's fatal shooting outside a Manhattan hotel. Police recovered a self-assembled 9mm handgun, a homemade silencer, and multiple fake identification documents upon his arrest.
The suspect faces first-degree murder and terrorism charges at the state level, carrying a potential life sentence. Federal prosecutors could pursue the death penalty for the federal murder charge, while the silencer charge alone carries a minimum 30-year sentence.
While law enforcement has condemned the killing as a premeditated assassination, some Americans who criticize healthcare costs and insurance industry practices have portrayed Mangione as a folk hero. His defense lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, claims he has been "overcharged" and will contest the charges.
During his initial federal court appearance, Mangione, who remains in custody, acknowledged understanding the charges against him. His lawyer expressed concerns about potential double jeopardy issues arising from parallel federal and state prosecutions. The Pennsylvania charges against Mangione have been paused pending the resolution of the New York cases.
