THE Ivy League graduate accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been hit with terrorism charges.
Luigi Mangione is set to appear in court on Thursday but is likely to waive his extradition rights to New York City. District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Mangione of carrying out a bold and deliberate fatal shooting.
Mangione, currently detained at the State Correctional Institution in Huntington, Pennsylvania, faces charges related to firearms and forgery. After being formally charged with 11 criminal offenses on Tuesday, he is linked to the shooting incident in Midtown, Manhattan that took place on December 4.
The suspect’s charges include first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, with one considered as a terrorist act, seven counts of criminal weapon possession, and additional forgery charges.
“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, and attention, and intimidation,” Bragg said during an afternoon press conference.
“It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike – commenters and business people just starting out on their day.”
Mangione, 26, is expected to appear in a Pennsylvania courtroom on Thursday for an extradition hearing.
A judge will rule on the next steps for him to be returned to New York to be arraigned on murder charges.
He is facing life in prison if convicted in New York.
