Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, following last week’s fatal shooting. Authorities apprehended Mangione in Pennsylvania after a customer at a McDonald's in Altoona recognised him and alerted the police.
Before the arrest, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified Mangione as a person of interest. Officers in Altoona detained him on unrelated charges and discovered evidence linking him to the crime, including a weapon consistent with the one used in the shooting.
Arrest Details
Mangione was spotted sitting at the back of the McDonald’s, wearing a blue medical mask and using a laptop. When officers asked him to remove his mask, they recognised him from widely circulated photos. Police recovered fraudulent IDs, including one matching the fake New Jersey ID the suspect used in Manhattan before the shooting.
Mangione initially lied about his identity but admitted his real name when threatened with arrest for false identification. Officers noted that he became visibly nervous when asked if he had been to New York recently.
Police recovered a ghost gun and suppressor believed to be the murder weapon, along with clothing and a mask matching the suspect’s description. Investigators also found a handwritten note indicating Mangione’s grievances against corporate America.
Mangione faces multiple charges in Pennsylvania, including forgery, possession of firearms without a license, and tampering with records. He initially cooperated with authorities but later ceased to provide information.
Suspect’s Background
Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in computer science and engineering. He previously worked at TrueCar as a data engineer but left the company in 2023. His LinkedIn profile also highlights roles as a teaching assistant and founder of a video game development club.
Mangione briefly lived in a co-living space in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2022 but left due to back pain. Reports suggest he returned to Hawaii in 2023 and started a book club, which caused discomfort among some members due to his book selections.
Mangione hails from a prominent Maryland family involved in real estate, healthcare, and media. His relatives expressed shock over the arrest and extended condolences to Brian Thompson’s family.
Classmates from Baltimore’s Gilman School described Mangione as intelligent and personable, with no known enemies. Many expressed disbelief upon learning about his involvement in the case.
Online Activity and Interests
Mangione's social media activity reveals a fascination with societal issues and health-related books. His Goodreads profile includes reviews of texts on back pain and critiques of industrial society.
In the months leading to his arrest, social media posts from friends indicated concerns about his well-being and isolation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Mangione’s motives and possible connections to other crimes. He is expected to face trial, where further details will emerge.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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