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Police have identified Luigi Mangione, 26, as the main suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in Manhattan. Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a tip from an alert employee. Here’s what we know so far about him and the investigation.
How the suspect was caught
Mangione was arrested while eating breakfast at McDonald’s. A restaurant employee recognized him from a widely shared photo released by the NYPD and called local police. Surveillance footage had previously shown Mangione entering New York’s George Washington Bridge Bus Station after the murder, leading investigators to believe he left the city by bus.
What police found during the arrest
When Mangione was taken into custody, police found several key items on him:
- Fake documents: Mangione carried multiple fake IDs, including one matching the identity used to check into a New York City hostel before the murder.
- A ghost gun: Authorities said the firearm, which may have been 3D-printed, could fire 9mm rounds and included a suppressor. It matched the weapon used in the crime.
- Handwritten notes: A multi-page document suggested strong resentment toward corporate America. Phrases like “these parasites had it coming” and “I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done” were reportedly included.
Who is Luigi Mangione?
Mangione was born in Maryland and most recently lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has no prior criminal record in New York. Police say he has ties to San Francisco and describe him as someone who moved around frequently.
Online profiles list him as a co-founder of an app development company, though the business has shown little recent activity. Mangione also shared posts online suggesting a critical view of corporate systems, which may be connected to the motive.
Evidence linking Mangione to the crime
In addition to the items found during the arrest, police uncovered other evidence tying Mangione to the murder:
- DNA and fingerprints: Authorities collected DNA from a water bottle and energy bar wrapper and partial fingerprints from a burner phone found during the investigation.
- Surveillance images: Photos of Mangione walking in Manhattan, both masked and unmasked, were shared widely during the manhunt.
- Recovered backpack: A bag believed to belong to Mangione was found in Central Park. It contained a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money.
Police believe he acted alone
Investigators say there is no evidence that Mangione had accomplices or planned to flee the country. He was described as acting on his own, driven by personal motivations outlined in his handwritten notes. The NYPD has emphasized that there are no further threats to the public.
What next?
NYPD detectives have traveled to Pennsylvania to interview Mangione and oversee his extradition to New York. He will face charges in Pennsylvania related to the gun and later be charged in New York for the murder of Brian Thompson.
Authorities continue to analyze the notes and other evidence for a clearer understanding of his motives.
