Gun found on suspect in UnitedHealthcare killing matches shell casings, police say
ALTOONA, Pa. — The gun discovered on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been confirmed to match the shell casings collected at the location of the shooting, according to New York City’s police commissioner. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, is currently facing murder charges related to the shooting of Brian Thompson, the CEO of one of the largest medical insurance companies in the nation.
Fingerprint analysis revealed that Mangione’s prints were found on items including a water bottle and a snack bar wrapper located near the crime scene in midtown Manhattan. Police believe these items may have been purchased by Mangione at a nearby coffee shop as he waited for his intended target.
Authorities uncovered writings belonging to Mangione, indicating he harbored feelings of animosity towards corporate greed. A spiral notebook was seized, containing notes and a three-page handwritten letter discovered during his arrest. Details of the contents of the notebook have not been released to the public.
According to law enforcement officials, the letter suggested that it contained insights into the motivation behind the attack, describing it as “some straggling notes and To Do lists that illuminate the gist of it.” Law enforcement sources have hinted that the motivation for the attack could be linked to an incident that sent Mangione to an emergency room on July 4, 2023.
A bulletin from law enforcement revealed that the letter expressed disdain for corporate greed and described health insurance companies as “parasitic.” Mangione criticized the U.S. health care system, pointing out its high costs in comparison to life expectancy rates, further questioning the rising profits of major corporations.
Following his arrest, Mangione made headlines with his vehement remarks about “an insult to the intelligence of the American people” as he entered the courtroom. He is currently being held without bail in Pennsylvania, where initial charges include gun possession and forgery.
Manhattan prosecutors are coordinating efforts to secure his extradition to New York. During a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania, defense attorney Thomas Dickey emphasized that Mangione wishes to contest the extradition and called for a thorough examination of the case. He remarked, “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case. He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.”
Mangione was apprehended in Altoona, approximately 230 miles west of New York City, after being recognized by a customer at McDonald’s who alerted staff about his presence. Upon his capture, authorities reported that Mangione was found in possession of the firearm used in the shooting, as well as a counterfeit identification document he had utilized to check into a New York hostel.
On December 4, Thompson was fatally shot while walking alone to a hotel for an investor conference in Manhattan. Surveillance footage indicated that the shooter fled the scene quickly, likely taking a bus to escape the city. Although details regarding Mangione’s subsequent movements remain unclear, investigators suggest he took precautions to evade detection following the incident. Prosecutors indicated in the Pennsylvania hearing that he possessed bags designed to shield his cellphone and laptop from transmitting signals, which could be utilized for tracking purposes.
Mangione’s background reflects a blend of privilege and education. A graduate of a prestigious prep school and Ivy League institution, he obtained a degree in computer science and was previously employed by a car-buying website. Reports indicate that he lived in a co-living space in Hawaii during the first half of 2022, where acquaintances noted that he experienced significant and often debilitating back pain.
In response to his arrest, Mangione’s family released a statement expressing their shock and devastation over the situation.
