Authorities have revealed that Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was found with a “manifesto” at the time of his arrest. The three-page document, which a law enforcement source described to PEOPLE, contained disturbing statements about the crime and his motivations.
Mangione, 26, is facing a murder charge following the killing of Thompson, which took place outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan on December 4. Thompson, 58, was walking to an annual investor event when he was shot and killed by a masked and hooded assailant. Surveillance footage from the scene appears to show Mangione firing multiple shots at Thompson.
After a six-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 10, when he was spotted at a McDonald’s. Police were alerted by a customer who grew suspicious of Mangione, who was wearing a mask and engrossed in a computer. When officers arrived, they found Mangione in the restaurant and took him into custody. During the arrest, authorities discovered a “ghost gun,” a silencer, fake identification, and the manifesto, which they say Mangione had on his person.
According to the manifesto, Mangione expressed his belief that the murder “had to be done.” He allegedly wrote, “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone.” In a chilling part of the document, Mangione purportedly apologized for any trauma caused but insisted that the action was necessary, stating, “Frankly, these parasites had it coming.”
A law enforcement source told PEOPLE that the manifesto also contained a reference to Mangione’s grievances with the healthcare industry, which he appeared to target in his statements. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but police believe the manifesto may provide insight into his feelings toward health insurance companies, with phrases like “deny, delay, defend” written on shell casings found at the scene. This phrase is commonly associated with a strategy used in the insurance industry to reject claims.
Thompson’s death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry, as he was a prominent figure in the field. At the time of the shooting, Thompson was walking to a major investor event, where he was expected to discuss UnitedHealthcare’s growth and future. The shooting took place in the middle of the day, with the New York Hilton Midtown serving as a backdrop to the crime.
The discovery of a “ghost gun” during Mangione’s arrest adds another layer of complexity to the case. Ghost guns are unregistered firearms that can be assembled from parts, making them difficult for authorities to trace. In addition to the gun and silencer, Mangione was allegedly found with fake IDs, further raising concerns about his intentions and activities.
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Following his arrest, Mangione was charged with first-degree murder and a number of weapons-related offenses. He is currently being held in Pennsylvania, where he faces additional charges stemming from his illegal possession of a firearm and fraudulent identification. He has not yet entered a plea.
Reports also suggest that Mangione had been dealing with “debilitating” back pain in the days leading up to the shooting. Friends and family noted that he had “gone radio silent” before the murder, raising questions about his mental state. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Mangione’s health issues were a factor in his decision to carry out the shooting.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are working to understand the full scope of Mangione’s actions and whether there were any accomplices involved in the crime. The killing has raised questions about the growing issue of violence targeting individuals in positions of corporate power, especially in the healthcare sector.
At this stage, Mangione remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed whether he has made any statements regarding his motivations for the crime, though the manifesto appears to provide key insights into his mindset. As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge.
