The Ivy League-educated computer programmer charged in the ambush murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been indicted by a New York grand jury.
Luigi Mangione, 26, is accused of sneaking up behind Thompson outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel as the victim, who lived in Minnesota, made his way to a shareholder conference early on the morning of Dec. 4.
Mangione now faces a top charge of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, seven criminal possession of a weapon charges of various degrees, and criminal possession of a forged instrument, all felonies.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called it a “brazen, targeted and premeditated shooting.” Surveillance video shows the assassination-style ambush. A masked man steps out on the sidewalk behind Thompson and opens fire, striking him in the back and walking away.
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s parent company mourned the killing of Brian Thompson and implored people to see that industry executives are trying their best with a flawed system. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group)
Mangione initially faced a range of charges, with second-degree murder as the top charge. In New York, first-degree murder requires special circumstances, such as if the victim is a police officer, the victim was tortured, etc. In this case, prosecutors are now alleging the murder was an act of terrorism.
Authorities say the suspect dropped a burner phone at the scene, and they found fingerprints on other items. They also said they found a ballistic match between Mangione’s gun and the rounds that killed Thompson.
Parts of the suspected murder weapon were 3D printed, including the receiver and a suppressor, according to police. A trio of 9mm bullet casings found at the scene contained the words “defend,” “depose” and “deny.”
Luigi Mangione shouts while officers restrain him as he arrives for his extradition hearing at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (David Dee Delgado for Fox News Digital)
Thompson, 50, spent 20 years working for UnitedHealth Group and became CEO of the UnitedHealthcare subsidiary in April 2021, according to his online bio. He had two children.
Fox News’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.
This is a developing story.
