Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, has been indicted on first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced the indictment on Tuesday, which includes charges of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a forged instrument.
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the indictment on first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism elevates the case against Mangione.
Bragg described Thompson’s slaying as a “brazen, targeted and premeditated shooting” that was intended to cause shock, attention, and intimidation. He also stated that terrorism charges were warranted because the slaying was “intended to evoke terror.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the fatal shooting, calling it a “senseless act of violence” that stole a life and put New Yorkers at risk. Tisch also criticized those who have praised Mangione as a hero, saying that “we don’t celebrate murders, and we don’t lionize the killing of anyone.”
Mangione was arrested on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a massive manhunt. He has been arraigned and is being held in Pennsylvania on felony charges of forgery and carrying a firearm without a license. Mangione plans to waive extradition at a hearing on Thursday, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Mangione’s family had reported him missing in mid-November, and he had been missing for months before the shooting. Neither Mangione nor his parents were insured by UnitedHealthcare, according to UnitedHealth Group.
Mangione’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, said he would plead not guilty in the New York and Pennsylvania cases. Karen Friedman Agnifilo has been retained to represent Mangione on the New York charges.
NBC/NGG
