A man suspected of murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of the largest American insurance company, has been detained – New York authorities and the city police reported. So far, he has not been charged in connection with Thompson's death, but the mayor of New York said he “fits the description” of the perpetrator of the crime and “has several items that connect him to this event.”
Down murder of the head of UnitedHealthcare – the largest insurer in the United States – occurred a few days ago in Manhattan, New York. The police were conducting a manhunt for the man suspected of this murder.
On Monday, police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, said in a statement that they had arrested a man “matching the description of the man suspected of murdering” Brian Thompson.
Later, more information on the matter was provided by New York Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch at a press conference. The mayor confirmed that the detained person “fits the description” of the perpetrator of the crime. “He also has several items that we believe connect him to this incident,” Adams said.
“We currently believe he is a suspect in connection with the cynical murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, last Wednesday in downtown Manhattan,” Tisch added.
Man suspected of murdering Brian ThompsonEPA/NYPD
Arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm
The man was identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm. It happened while he was eating at a restaurant on Monday morning. “Fortunately, a Pennsylvania resident recognized him and notified local law enforcement,” said New York Police Department Chief of Investigation Joseph Kenny.
Among other things, they found: fake ID. He had no previous record. The services also said that Mangione was born in Maryland. His last known address was Honolulu, Hawaii.
So far, he has not been charged in connection with the shooting of the businessman.
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The head of the New York Police Department's investigation department said that at the current stage of the investigation, the services do not believe that the man was trying to escape from the country. He noted that the investigation is ongoing, but at this point it is believed that the man acted alone.
Kenny added that the gun found on him was probably a so-called ghost gun. According to the police, this weapon is capable of firing 9 mm bullets and is equipped with a silencer. Kenny estimated that it could have been 3D printed. However, ballistic tests will tell us more.
A ghost gun is an almost untraceable, self-assembled firearm that has no serial numbers. Its parts are often sold separately online.
Police also say they found handwritten documents on him – a “three-page manifesto” – that referred to his “motivation and attitude” and which may indicate “his dislike for corporate America.” However, these documents are not supposed to contain threats.
According to CNN – which cited a police officer familiar with the documents – the text sharply criticized the health care industry and suggested that violence could be the answer to the problem.
Statement from the insurance company
UnitedHealthcare issued a statement after police released the information.
“We hope today's arrest will bring relief to Brian's family, friends, colleagues and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” the spokesman wrote.
“We thank law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with them in this investigation. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family as they mourn the deceased,” the statement added.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JUSTIN LANE