A 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, Luigi Mangione, has been charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a high-profile Manhattan shooting.
Mangione, a Maryland native and member of a prominent real estate family, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being spotted at a McDonald’s by a sharp-eyed customer.
Police found him in possession of a ghost gun, a silencer, and writings expressing anger toward corporate America, which are believed to provide insight into his motivation.
The investigation, which captivated the public, advanced rapidly following the tip. Authorities allege Mangione waited for Thompson before fatally shooting him as the CEO walked to a hotel hosting UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference.
The attack shocked the business community, prompting companies to reevaluate executive security protocols, and has also sparked broader discussions about safety for corporate leaders.
Mangione, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in computer science, was also found carrying fake IDs, a passport, and $10,000 in cash.
Law enforcement officials revealed he had been traveling discreetly across Pennsylvania since the shooting. Prosecutors in Manhattan have filed murder and additional charges against him, and his extradition to New York is pending.
A private funeral was held for the 50-year-old executive as his colleagues and family mourned his loss. UnitedHealth Group expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts, while Mangione’s family released a statement expressing shock and prayers for all involved.
