U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
Luigi Nicholas Mangione has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to a recent announcement by Edward Y. Kim, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with other federal and local law enforcement officials. Mangione is accused of stalking and killing Thompson on December 4, 2024, in Midtown Manhattan.
"Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim. He added that Mangione allegedly traveled to New York to carry out this act "in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel."
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime: "As alleged, Mangione planned his attack for months and stalked his victim for days before murdering him." Garland praised law enforcement efforts that led to Mangione's arrest.
James E. Dennehy, FBI Assistant Director, remarked on the implications of the alleged crime: "This alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity – deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances."
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch highlighted the role of public cooperation: "It is because of the public’s actions that we now have an alleged killer in custody back in New York City."
The complaint alleges that over several months, Mangione meticulously planned Thompson's murder to provoke discussion about the healthcare industry. It details how he tracked Thompson's movements and used false identification while staying at an Upper West Side hostel.
On December 4th, Mangione reportedly shot Thompson using a 9mm pistol equipped with a silencer as Thompson passed by on West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. Afterward, he fled on a bicycle through Central Park.
Mangione was apprehended on December 9th in Altoona, Pennsylvania after being recognized by a fast-food restaurant worker.
Mangione faces multiple charges including using a firearm to commit murder and interstate stalking resulting in death; each charge carries significant potential sentences.
Mr. Kim commended both the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and NYPD for their investigative work and acknowledged assistance from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang, and Alexandra Messiter from the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
All charges against Mangione are accusations at this stage; he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
