The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday the formal indictment of Luigi Mangione, 26, on 11 criminal charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, for the December 4 ambush killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.
The high-profile indictment intensifies the legal case against Mangione. The New York State Supreme Court indictment includes:
One count of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony — Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A-I felonies — Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C felonies — Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D felonies — One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony — One count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class D felony
Luigi Mangione has been indicted in New York on murder charges according to Manhattan DA.
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) December 17, 2024
Including first-degree murder and second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, for the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. pic.twitter.com/HU4Kwf8pci
Mangione was apprehended on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a nationwide manhunt. An alert employee recognized him and notified authorities, leading to his arrest.
At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered a 9mm handgun with a 3D-printed receiver, two ammunition magazines, a homemade silencer, and a fake New Jersey ID.
Additionally, Mangione was found in possession of a notebook and a handwritten document that investigators believe may be relevant to the case.
Mangione was initially arraigned in Pennsylvania on charges of forgery, carrying a firearm without a license, and other offenses.
He resisted extradition to New York until his indictment was filed, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to submit an official extradition order.
According to court documents, Mangione arrived in New York City on November 24 and checked into the HI New York City Hostel on the Upper West Side using a forged New Jersey ID under the name “Mark Rosario.” He extended his stay multiple times before executing his plan.
On the morning of December 4, Mangione left the hostel at 5:34 a.m. and traveled to Midtown by e-bike. Between 5:52 a.m. and 6:45 a.m., he was seen pacing near the Hilton Hotel on West 54th Street. Surveillance footage shows him purchasing water and granola bars at a nearby Starbucks around 6:15 a.m.
At 6:45 a.m., Mangione approached Thompson, 50, outside the hotel, armed with a 9mm 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a silencer.
He shot Thompson once in the back and once in the leg before fleeing the scene on his e-bike. Mangione later took a taxi and fled New York State.
Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Authorities discovered shell casings at the crime scene with the words “DENY” and “DEPOSE” written on them, as well as a bullet inscribed with “DELAY.” These cryptic markings are believed to reflect Mangione’s premeditation and possible motives, though details remain under investigation.
Mangione’s Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, confirmed that his client intends to plead not guilty to all charges in both Pennsylvania and New York. Mangione has retained high-profile defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo for the New York case.
If convicted on the first-degree murder charge, Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the severity of the case, stating:
“We allege that Luigi Mangione carried out the brazen, targeted, and fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. This type of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated. My office is committed to bringing the defendant to justice.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised law enforcement efforts, adding:
“This case highlights the critical role of public vigilance and the dedication of our investigators. The NYPD and the Manhattan DA’s Office worked tirelessly to ensure the suspect was identified and apprehended.”
The case continues to involve collaboration among multiple agencies, including the FBI, Pennsylvania authorities, and New York law enforcement. Mangione’s handwritten notes and other recovered evidence are undergoing forensic analysis.
Mangione is expected to be extradited to New York in the coming days, where he will face trial for the December 4 murder. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation proceeds.