Mangione indicted for first-degree murder in UnitedHealth CEO shooting
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Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led from the Blair County Courthouse after an extradition hearing Dec. 10 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
Luigi Mangione has been indicted by a New York grand jury on ten charges, including the first-degree murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, per court documents from the Manhattan district attorney's office.
The big picture: The 26-year-old suspect in the Dec. 4 killing was arrested last week in Pennsylvania after a days-long search.
- Mangione also faces two counts of second-degree murder, one of which includes killing as a crime of terrorism; two for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon; one count for fourth-degree possession of a weapon; and one count of second-degree possession of a forged instrument.
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said during a news conference that Mangione is due to appear in court Thursday in Pennsylvania on separate charges. He is not expected to fight extradition to New York, according to both Bragg and Mangione's attorney.
Driving the news: New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch during the news conference condemned the online valorization of Mangione since Thompson's death.
- "In the nearly two weeks since Mr. Thompson's killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder. Social media has erupted with praise for this cowardly attack."
- "Let me say this plainly: There is no heroism in what Mangione did. This was a senseless act of violence. It was a cold and calculated crime that stole a life and put New Yorkers at risk," she said.
Bragg also spoke about the role of 3D-printed guns in this case. Mangione was carrying a so-called "ghost gun" when he was arrested in Pennsylvania.
- "As this case tragically makes clear, they are just as deadly as traditional firearms," the DA said.
Catch up quick: Mangione is accused of shooting and killing Thompson, 50, outside a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. Thompson had been CEO at UnitedHealthcare since 2021 and is survived by two children and his spouse.
- Thompson had received threats before the fatal shooting, his wife said. The threats were possibly related to health care coverage.
The killing has prompted a national discussion about the insurance industry's frequent denial of claims and how unaffordable health care has become for many Americans.
- Mangione is a University of Pennsylvania graduate and member of a wealthy Baltimore family. He's attracted much attention since the attack, including over his social media presence, unclear political affiliations and reported experience with chronic back pain that required surgery and disrupted his lifestyle.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details and context.
Go deeper: 41% of young voters say UnitedHealthcare CEO killing "acceptable": Poll
