UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Suspect Thanks Supporters in Jailed Statement
Suspect’s First Public Comments Since December
The suspect in the ambush killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has thanked people who have written to him as he is jailed in a New York City detention facility. Luigi Mangione’s statement, posted on a website set up by his defense to provide information about his cases, appear to be his first public comments since he shouted to reporters before a court appearance in Pennsylvania in December.
Charges and Investigation
Mangione is charged in New York with first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and other counts in Thompson’s Dec. 4 killing. The CEO was shot from behind as he was walking on a Manhattan sidewalk.
Statement from Mangione
Mangione said in the statement that people have written to him at the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is jailed pending trial.
“I am overwhelmed by — and grateful for — everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” Mangione said in a statement posted to that website.
Reactions to the Killing
Thompson’s killing has been condemned by officials. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that “this type of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated.” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in whose state Mangione was arrested on Dec. 9, criticized people who suggested Mangione was a hero or justified in the killing.
“In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: He is no hero,” Shapiro said after Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona.
Court Proceedings
Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during his arraignment on Monday morning. He is charged with murder and other counts in New York in connection with Thompson’s killing, and he is also charged in Pennsylvania with weapons and other counts.
Background on the Case
Mangione allegedly used a “ghost gun” with a suppressor on it. The words “deny” “depose” and “delay” were found on two spent shell casings and a bullet found at the scene, the district attorney’s office said in announcing a murder indictment against him. UnitedHealthcare is the largest private insurer in the country, and writings found on Mangione when he was arrested detailed his grievances with the health care system, according to authorities. Neither Mangione nor anyone in his family were insured by UnitedHealthcare, police have said.
Conclusion
The case against Mangione is ongoing, with his trial set to begin in the near future. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the impact of this tragic event will be felt for a long time to come.
FAQs
* Who is Luigi Mangione? Mangione is the suspect in the ambush killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
* What are the charges against Mangione? Mangione is charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and other counts in connection with Thompson’s killing.
* What is the motive behind the killing? The motive behind the killing is unclear, but authorities have said that Mangione’s writings found on him at the time of his arrest detailed his grievances with the health care system.
