Suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO is arraigned in Pennsylvania on fraud and weapon charges

The suspect in the Midtown Manhattan shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been arraigned in Pennsylvania, officials said Monday.

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, faces charges in Altoona of forgery, instrument to a crime and carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents obtained by Gothamist. He was ordered held without bail, authorities said. Attorney information for Mangione was not immediately available.

The NYPD said it also plans to charge Mangione in what Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a “brazen, targeted murder” that occurred on Wednesday outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson was set to attend an investor conference. Tisch said Mangione was apprehended in Altoona, a community about 230 miles west of Manhattan, after being identified by an employee at a local McDonald’s who recognized him from NYPD-released surveillance images.

When approached, Mangione was reportedly carrying fraudulent IDs and a firearm with a suppressor consistent with evidence from the crime scene, authorities said. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the weapon as a ghost gun, possibly 3D-printed, with no serial number and a suppressor. Authorities also said they recovered a face mask resembling one seen in surveillance footage.

Mangione’s alleged motive appears linked to grievances against corporate America, detailed in writings police found in his possession, authorities said. Kenny said the documents reflected “ill will toward corporate America” but did not provide further specifics.

Details of the investigation

The fatal shooting triggered a citywide and interstate manhunt. Police confirmed reports that bullet casings found at the scene reportedly had words inscribed similar to the title of the 2010 book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It” by Jay M. Feinman.

The suspect fled the scene on an electric bicycle and was later seen taking a taxi to the George Washington Bridge bus terminal, police said. The NYPD released surveillance images showing him in a face mask and black hood shortly after the incident. Additional evidence, including a backpack believed to be Mangione’s containing a jacket and Monopoly money, was discovered in Central Park, officials said.

Hundreds of tips were submitted to the NYPD, with a $10,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. The FBI had offered an additional $50,000 reward.

Capture and arraignment

Mangione was arrested after Altoona police responded to the tip from the McDonald’s employee. According to court documents, he was seen wearing a blue medical mask and using a silver laptop when officers approached. Police noted that Mangione became visibly shaken when asked about recent travels to New York, according to records.

Authorities alleged that Mangione used a fake New Jersey ID to check into a New York City hostel. His background includes ties to Maryland, San Francisco and a last known address in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to the NYPD.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned online reactions celebrating the killing during a press conference on Monday night.

“Some attention in this case — especially online — has been deeply disturbing as some have decided to celebrate, instead of condemn, this killing,” Shapiro said.

He continued, “The killer is not a hero. He should not be hailed as one."

This story has been updated with additional information.

Correction: The headline for this story has been updated to reflect that the suspect was charged with alleged crimes in Pennsylvania.