Following a six-day pursuit, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been captured. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking at a press conference on Monday, denounced the suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, labeling him a "coward" and criticizing those who have celebrated the killing online. Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "In America, we do not resort to violence to settle policy disagreements or express our views." He directly addressed the online communities that have praised the murder, condemning their actions.
The arrest came after a rookie Altoona police officer, Tyler Frye, along with an observant McDonald's employee and customer, identified Mangione from wanted posters. Mangione was reportedly wearing a mask and beanie while using a laptop at the back of the restaurant. Upon being approached by officers and asked to remove his face covering, Mangione allegedly presented a fake ID and gave a false name. He reportedly exhibited signs of nervousness when questioned about recent travel to New York.
Authorities discovered writings critical of the healthcare industry in Mangione's possession, along with a ghost gun resembling the suspected murder weapon. Initially, Altoona police charged Mangione with possessing an unlicensed firearm, providing false identification, and forgery. Subsequently, he has been formally charged with murder in New York.
