Federal prosecutors are considering charging Luigi Mangione with the murder of United Healthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson. The New York state murder case against Mangione would take precedence if federal charges are filed. Mangione, 26, was indicted on first-degree murder in connection to the targeted killing of Thompson, who was shot from behind on a Manhattan sidewalk. Police believe Mangione targeted Thompson due to his position at the largest private health insurance company in the U.S.
In addition to first-degree murder, Mangione also faces charges related to terrorism and second-degree murder. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that the killing was intended to cause shock, attention, and intimidation. Mangione allegedly waited for Thompson near a hotel before shooting him with a handgun equipped with a suppressor. He was arrested in Pennsylvania and is fighting extradition to New York.
If convicted of first-degree or second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, Mangione could face life in prison without parole. In the case of a normal second-degree murder conviction, the maximum sentence is 25 years to life. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI have declined to comment on the case. Mangione’s extradition hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
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