– This murder was intended to shock, draw attention and cause intimidation – says prosecutor Alvin Bragg about the crime in Manhattan. The young American suspected of killing the head of an insurance company was charged with, among others, first-degree murder and terrorism.
Luigi Mangione shot and killed Brian Thompson, the head of the insurance company UnitedHealthcare, on December 4. During his arrest in Pennsylvania, a manifesto was found in his possession, in which he wrote about the greed of insurance companies and corporations, as well as the fight against this greed. Some social media users hailed him as a “hero fighting the system.”
The New York police chief commented that there was no heroism in Thompson's murder and it was a senseless murder.
A New York grand jury indicted the man. He was charged with, among other things, first-degree murder. In New York, such a charge is possible only when there are additional circumstances in addition to premeditation in committing the murder, such as torture, killing of a witness, killing of a police officer or terrorism.
In November, his mother reported her son missing
Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg said Mangione planned the murder to “shock, attract public attention and intimidate.” In other words, the Manhattan prosecutor's office claims that by committing murder, he met all the requirements that allow this act to be classified as terrorism.
If convicted in New York, Luigi Mangione would face life in prison without pardon.
The defendant will appear in court on Thursday, December 19 in Pennsylvania. Two trials will be held there. One will concern charges he faces in Pennsylvania, such as forging documents or illegally possessing a weapon. The second trial, the more important one, will concern extradition to New York.
Luigi Mangione now has a new team of defenders. According to unofficial information, this team will strive to have Mangione voluntarily submit to extradition. If this happens, he will be able to appear at his first hearing in Manhattan on Thursday.
Half a year before Brian Thompson's murder, Luigi Mangione broke off all contact with his family and friends. In November, his mother reported her son missing.
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Main photo source: CNN