Suspect Luigi Mangione charged with UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder after arrest with ‘ghost gun’, silencer

Mangione, who comes from a prominent Maryland real estate family, had been under scrutiny since last Wednesday’s fatal shooting of Thompson in Manhattan. The executive was attacked while walking to his hotel during an investor conference hosted by UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.

Mangione was spotted at the McDonald’s wearing a blue medical mask and using a laptop. “An employee called 911 after a customer recognised him,” Daughtry explained. Officer Tyler Frye of the Altoona Police described the moment of the arrest: “When he pulled down his mask, we knew instantly it was our guy. He became quiet and started shaking when we asked about his recent travels to New York”, as reported by AP.

In Mangione’s backpack, police discovered a black, 3D-printed pistol and silencer, along with a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect allegedly used at a New York hostel before the attack. “The pistol was highly customised, with a mix of plastic and metal components,” Frye added.

Authorities found a handwritten, three-page document outlining Mangione’s grievances against corporate America. “The writings give us a glimpse into his mindset and possible motives,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Mangione, described as a valedictorian of an elite Baltimore prep school and a University of Pennsylvania graduate, had a notable background in computer science. His family expressed shock at his arrest, releasing a statement through his cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione: “We are devastated and offer our prayers to the Thompson family.”

Mangione was arraigned in Pennsylvania on charges of firearm possession, forgery, and providing false identification. Manhattan prosecutors have since filed murder charges, and he will be extradited to New York.

“This case is not just about an isolated incident but about the larger dangers of ghost guns and unchecked hostility,” Tisch said. Investigators confirmed that Mangione’s firearm lacked a serial number, making it untraceable, AP reported.

The murder of Thompson, a prominent figure in the health insurance industry, has sent shockwaves through corporate America. UnitedHealth Group expressed gratitude to law enforcement in a statement: “We hope this arrest brings some solace to Brian’s loved ones and colleagues.”

The shooter was described as “lying in wait for several minutes” before ambushing Thompson. Evidence collected from various locations, including a discarded backpack in Central Park and surveillance footage from Manhattan, helped investigators trace the suspect.

Mangione, who reportedly travelled across Pennsylvania after the shooting, had been attempting to evade detection. “He was cautious but left behind a trail that ultimately led us to him,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to piece together the full extent of Mangione’s motives and actions leading up to the attack.

(with inputs from AP)

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