The Manhattan District Attorney has justified the decision to charge Luigi Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism, as the case progresses.
Brian Johnson was fatally shot on December 4, in what authorities suspect was a premeditated attack by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione.
Johnson sustained two gunshot wounds to the back and one to the leg as he exited the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The incident occurred while UnitedHealthcare, the medical insurance firm he managed, was hosting an investor meeting.
Mangione was apprehended following a nationwide manhunt and was ultimately recognized and arrested in a McDonald’s located in Pennsylvania.
New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg addressed the press on Tuesday, December 17, asserting that Mangione intended to “sow terror” through his actions.
Bragg’s comments followed a grand jury’s decision to indict Mangione on an additional murder charge, supplementing the initial murder charge from December 4 in connection with Johnson’s killing.
If found guilty on all charges, Mangione could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Addressing the media, Bragg stated: “This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.
“It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatened the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day.
“The intent was to sow terror.”
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s defense attorney in New York, has yet to comment on the grand jury’s decision.
According to New York law, a terrorism charge can be pursued if an alleged crime is ‘intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping’.
Following Mangione’s arrest, some individuals on social media have expressed support for the alleged assailant, prompting a response from law enforcement.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled any attempts to justify Mangione’s purported actions as ‘vile’.
Tisch remarked: “There is no heroism in what Mangione did.
“We don’t celebrate murders and we don’t lionize the killing of anyone.”
Despite these criticisms, people globally have contributed to a fund aimed at supporting Mangione’s legal defense.
Established on the Christian platform GiveSendGo, the campaign has raised more than $147,000 thus far.
Alex Shipley, communications director for GiveSendGo, defended the initiative by stating: “We believe every person is entitled to due process in a court of law — not in the court of public opinion.
“To be absolutely clear, we do not support or condone vigilante justice. However, people have a constitutional right to a strong legal defense, and access to that defense should not be reserved only for the wealthy or those who fit a particular narrative.”