December 17th 2024.
A shocking and disturbing case has shaken the city of New York. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, has been accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what authorities are now calling an act of terrorism. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has indicted Mangione on charges of first-degree murder, along with the added allegation of terrorism.
According to the District Attorney's office, this new terror charge can be brought when a crime is committed with the intention to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policies through intimidation, or affect the conduct of a unit of government through murder, assassination, or kidnapping. Thompson, 50, was tragically shot in the back and leg in front of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4.
At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, "This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation. It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, as well as commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day." Bragg added that the killing was also intended to evoke terror.
Echoing Bragg's sentiments, New York Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "The unsealing of today's indictment brings us one step closer to securing justice for Brian Thompson and his family and affirming the primacy of the rule of law in the city of New York."
Luigi Mangione, who is currently being held at a state prison in Pennsylvania, was arrested five days after Thompson's murder at a McDonald's in Altoona. He is also facing charges in Pennsylvania, including carrying a firearm without a license and forgery. Mangione, a graduate of an Ivy League university, has two court hearings scheduled for Thursday in Pennsylvania, one of which is for his extradition back to New York.
Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, did not immediately comment on the new charges, but she previously stated that he will not be fighting extradition. His Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, has also said that Mangione will plead not guilty in both states.
If convicted, Mangione could face a life sentence without parole, according to Bragg's office. The investigation into this heinous crime is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, follow The Agency on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates on this case. You can also sign up for our daily push alerts to receive the latest news articles straight to your device.
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