Suspected Shooter in United Healthcare CEO’s Killing May Face Federal Charges
Federal prosecutors are considering whether to file charges against Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson. If federal charges are filed, the New York state murder case against Mangione would take priority, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Mangione, 26, was indicted on Tuesday on first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the targeted killing of Thompson, who was shot from behind as he walked on a Manhattan sidewalk on December 4. Authorities believe Mangione targeted Thompson, possibly due to the size of the private health insurance company he led.
Mangione has been charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, as well as second-degree murder and other counts. A first-degree murder charge in New York requires a special circumstance, such as the killing of a witness, being a murder for hire, or the killing of someone in furtherance of terrorism.
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said that they are “ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought” and that the federal government’s decision to add charges raises “serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns.”
Mangione is currently being held in Pennsylvania and has contested extradition to New York. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday. If convicted of first-degree murder or second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, Mangione could face up to life in prison without parole, while a conviction of a normal second-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.