UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder: Suspect charged with 'act of terrorism'
What's the story
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old former data engineer, has been formally charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The murder occurred on December 4 in Manhattan, New York. Apart from first-degree murder, Mangione is also facing charges of second-degree murder as an act of terrorism and weapon possession crimes in connection with a 3D-printed "ghost gun" used in the crime.
Charge explanation
Terrorism charge and weapon details revealed
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg clarified that the terrorism charge was used because the shooting was intended to "evoke terror." He added, "In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror and we've seen that reaction." The indictment alleges that Mangione intended to "influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion."
Arrest details
Suspect's arrest and extradition proceedings underway
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a nationwide manhunt and is being held there until extradition proceedings to New York. When he was arrested, Mangione reportedly had a handwritten text criticizing the US health care system. His fingerprints matched those found at the crime scene, police reports said.
Public sentiment
Public reaction and police commissioner's response
The murder has ignited a storm of public outrage against the US health care system, with some social media users even lionizing Mangione. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch slammed the public support for the murder, saying, "In the nearly two weeks since Mr Thompson's killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder."