Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing Arrested in Pennsylvania, Faces Multiple Charges

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione was apprehended Monday morning at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip from an observant employee. Authorities have charged him with forgery, carrying a firearm without a license, and several other offenses.

The Arrest and Evidence

Police approached Mangione after receiving a report of a man matching the suspect's description. According to court documents, Mangione became visibly nervous and began shaking when questioned about his recent whereabouts in New York. Officers discovered a 3D-printed pistol and silencer in his backpack, along with writings that expressed resentment toward corporate America. He was also carrying a passport, a box of masks, and $10,000 in cash, including $2,000 in foreign currency.

Deputy Chief Derek Swope of Altoona Police noted the "voluminous" nature of Mangione’s writings, which have been turned over to the NYPD for further investigation.

A Prominent Yet Troubled Background

Mangione, a Maryland native with ties to Hawaii and San Francisco, comes from a prominent family known for its business and philanthropic endeavors. His cousin, Nino Mangione, is a Maryland state legislator.

Luigi was valedictorian at the prestigious Gilman School in Baltimore and earned dual degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. Former classmates expressed shock at the news, describing him as intelligent and well-liked during his school years.

Charges and Court Proceedings

During a court appearance Monday, Mangione was denied bail and will remain in Pennsylvania custody while authorities coordinate his extradition to New York.

Prosecutors believe the weapon recovered matches the one used in the Wednesday morning shooting of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.

UnitedHealth Group Responds

In a statement, UnitedHealth Group expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s swift action and asked for privacy for Thompson’s family.

Thompson, 50, had been en route to the company’s annual investor conference when he was ambushed.

The Tip That Led to the Arrest

Governor Josh Shapiro praised the McDonald’s employee who reported Mangione, calling them the “real hero” of the day. Rookie officer Tyler Frye, who assisted in the arrest, described the moment he recognized Mangione: “We knew that was our guy.”

The investigation continues as authorities trace Mangione’s path from New York to Pennsylvania, while many questions remain unanswered.