Authorities apprehended Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old app developer, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, following the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on December 4. Mangione was identified after patrons at a McDonald’s recognized his resemblance to images of the suspected shooter released by the NYPD.
Before his arrest, investigators traced the alleged shooter’s activities across New York City, notably at a Manhattan hostel where he was captured on camera without a mask. A backpack belonging to the suspect was located in Central Park, and it is believed he fled the city via bus.
Luigi Mangione, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, is noted to have a background in app development. His reported online presence includes a GitHub account related to machine learning and a co-founding role at AppRoarr Studios, a game development company. However, a spokesperson from TrueCar, where he formerly worked, confirmed his departure from the company in 2023.
At the site of Thompson’s shooting near the New York Hilton Midtown, investigators found bullet casings marked with phrases such as “delay,” “depose,” and “deny,” likely criticizing healthcare companies for denying coverage to patients. Reports suggest Mangione also carried a “manifesto” that condemned profit-driven healthcare practices.
Online, Mangione exhibits a typical social presence for someone his age, including various social media accounts. His X account featured a post related to his medical history, and A Goodreads profile indicated an interest in books addressing back pain, notably Crooked: Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery.
According to reports, Mangione was a standout student, recognized as the valedictorian in high school, and had an enthusiastic involvement in gaming and technology. He created a game development club at the University of Pennsylvania that attracted significant attention among students.
UnitedHealthcare expressed hope that Mangione’s arrest would bring some solace to Thompson’s family, as they continue to navigate the unfortunate consequences of this tragic event.
