Luigi Mangione was observed shouting at reporters as he made his way into court after facing charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson.
Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York, on Wednesday, December 4.
Police-released footage captured the moment when an individual, armed with a gun, approached the CEO from behind and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch informed the press that the attack was believed to be ‘premeditated, preplanned,’ and ‘targeted.’
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny stated, “Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted. But at this point, we do not know why.”
On December 9, officials revealed that a suspect was detained after being recognized at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, due to a tip from an employee there.
Luigi Mangione, aged 26, was subsequently charged with Thompson’s murder, possessing an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification to the police.
On December 10, Mangione was transported to Blair County Courthouse, Pennsylvania, where he was caught on camera shouting a message to the reporters gathered outside.
During his escort from the vehicle into the courthouse by multiple officers, he was heard saying, “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people. It’s lived experience.” Before he could finish, he was ushered inside the building.
Jessica Tisch, the NYPD Commissioner, explained, “The suspect was in a McDonald’s and was recognised by an employee who then called local police.”
“Responding officers questioned the suspect, who was acting suspiciously and was carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a US passport,” she continued.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered a firearm and a suppressor on his person, both matching the weapon involved in the murder.
In addition, they found clothing similar to what was worn by the suspect in the footage, including a mask.
“Additionally, officers recovered a handwritten document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset,” Tisch added.
According to Sky News, the suspect, who contested extradition to New York, has been denied bail.