Luigi Mangione was seen shouting at journalists as he made his way to court after being accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was shot dead outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York, on Wednesday, December 4.
Police released footage capturing the moment an individual with a gun approached Thompson from behind, opened fire, and then fled the scene.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later informed reporters that the attack appeared ‘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 announced the detention of a person of interest after being identified at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, thanks to a tip from an employee.
Luigi Mangione, 26, was brought in for questioning and subsequently charged with Thompson’s murder, illegal possession of a firearm, forgery, and providing false identification to officers.
On Tuesday, December 10, Mangione was transported to Blair County Courthouse, Pennsylvania, where he was recorded delivering a message to the reporters outside.
“It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people. It’s lived experience,” he was heard saying.
As Mangione was being led from a vehicle into the courthouse by several police officers, he was cut off before completing his statement.
Following his arrest, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch commented, “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.
“Upon further investigation, officers recovered a firearm on his person, as well as a suppressor, both consistent with the weapon used in the murder.
“They also recovered clothing, including a mask, consistent with those worn by our wanted individual.
“Additionally, officers recovered a handwritten document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset.”
According to Sky News, Mangione is set to be extradited to New York, a move he is contesting, and has been denied bail.