(Scypre.com) – Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson following a deadly shooting last week, according to court documents filed Monday night. Mangione, previously identified as a person of interest, was apprehended in Pennsylvania after a large-scale manhunt that ended at a McDonald’s in Altoona.
Authorities revealed that Mangione was arrested on unrelated firearms and fraud charges after a customer at the restaurant recognized him and informed an employee, who called the police. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the alert individual for their quick action, calling them “a hero.”
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Mangione’s arrest followed an extensive investigation, aided by the public release of his photographs. Altoona Police Patrolman Tyler Frye recounted how he and his partner recognized Mangione immediately upon approaching him. “We knew it was him right away from the media coverage,” Frye said.
According to court records, Mangione was seated at a table in the back of the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and using a laptop, with a backpack on the floor beside him. Officers reported that he grew visibly nervous when asked about recent travel to New York. Deputy Police Chief Derek Swope noted that Mangione began shaking and avoided direct answers, further raising suspicions.
Upon searching his belongings, authorities discovered a firearm consistent with the weapon used in the December 4 shooting, along with fraudulent identification documents and a suppressor. Police described the weapon as a 3D-printed “ghost gun” equipped with a loaded Glock magazine. Additional evidence, including clothing and a mask matching the suspect’s description, was also recovered. A handwritten note believed to shed light on Mangione’s motives was found, which investigators say indicated animosity toward corporate America but did not include specific threats.
Mangione’s background reveals a complex profile. A Maryland native, he comes from a prominent family involved in real estate, healthcare, and broadcasting. He graduated as valedictorian from Baltimore’s prestigious Gilman School in 2016 and went on to earn undergraduate and master’s degrees in computer science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic achievements included leading a robotics team and founding a video game development club.
Professionally, Mangione worked as a data engineer at TrueCar until 2023. In 2019, he served as a head counselor for Stanford University’s pre-collegiate studies program. In 2022, he lived in a co-living community in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he struggled with chronic back pain exacerbated by physical activities such as surfing. A spokesperson for the community described him as quiet and reserved, noting that he left after a few months due to his health issues.
Mangione’s social media and reading habits reflect an interest in philosophical and controversial topics. His Goodreads account showed reviews of books related to back pain and a manifesto by Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber. On social media, he reposted quotes critical of societal norms, including one stating, “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
The arrest and subsequent charges have left Mangione’s family and acquaintances stunned. His family issued a statement expressing shock and devastation, stating they only know what has been reported in the media. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and ask for prayers for all involved,” the statement read.
Former classmates shared similar sentiments, recalling Mangione as a bright and kind individual. One peer described him as “a nice guy and a smart guy” and expressed disbelief upon learning of the charges. Another former classmate stated they hoped Mangione would have the opportunity to explain his actions in court, emphasizing that he had been “a good guy” during their time together.
Mangione now faces multiple charges in Pennsylvania, including forgery and firearms violations. Authorities expect him to be extradited to New York, though the process could take several weeks. Investigators continue to examine the case as they work to uncover more about his motives and the events leading up to the tragic shooting.