U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old from Towson, Maryland, has been charged in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson. The incident occurred on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan. Mangione was apprehended and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in Manhattan federal court.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Today, the Justice Department has brought federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione." He added that Mangione allegedly planned the attack for months and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in apprehending the suspect.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim remarked, "Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan." He further alleged that Mangione's actions were an attempt to publicize his views nationally.
Assistant Director James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office commented on the premeditated nature of the crime, saying it showed "a cavalier attitude towards humanity."
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch praised detectives' work and highlighted public cooperation: "This senseless incident highlights the critical role of the public in the NYPD’s public safety mission."
The complaint alleges that Mangione meticulously planned Thompson's execution to spark debate about healthcare issues. After traveling from out of state, he conducted reconnaissance around Thompson's hotel and conference venue using false identification.
On December 4, Mangione allegedly positioned himself strategically on West 54th Street and fired multiple shots at Thompson using a pistol equipped with a silencer before fleeing by bicycle.
Mangione was arrested on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania after being recognized by a fast-food restaurant worker. Authorities found him with a pistol matching the one used in the crime.
He faces several charges including using a firearm to commit murder and interstate stalking resulting in death, each carrying severe penalties including life imprisonment or death.
The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and NYPD are leading investigations alongside support from other agencies like the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office which is pursuing separate charges against Mangione.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang, and Alexandra Messiter are handling prosecution duties for this case.
It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
