The man accused of killing an insurance firm chief in New York has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism.
Luigi Mangione is suspected of shooting Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, on 4 December, and was arrested after a manhunt that ended with police finding the 26-year-old in a McDonald’s.
He had already been charged with murder but the terror allegation is new, with the indictment accusing Mangione of murdering to “influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion”.
Manhattan’s district attorney Alvin Bragg said this type “of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated”.
“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” he later added at a press conference.
“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.”
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Luigi Mangione indicted for murder
Mangione was charged with murder on 9 December for the killing of Mr Thompson outside a hotel in Manhattan, before a company conference was set to kick off.
According to friends and posts on social media, he suffered from chronic back pain affecting his daily life – though it’s not clear if this played a role in the shooting.
The incident has turned the spotlight on the health insurance industry, with some online appearing to glorify Mangione’s alleged actions.
New York City’s police commissioner Jessica Tisch said there is “no heroism” in the killing.
“We have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder,” she added.
“Social media has erupted with praise for this cowardly attack.
“People ghoulishly plastered posters threatening the CEOs, other CEOs with an X over Mr Thompson’s picture as though he was some sort of a sick trophy.”
UnitedHealth Group said last week Mangione was not one of the firm’s customers.
The words “deny”, “defend” and “depose” were carved into shell casings found at the murder scene, echoing a phrase used by insurance industry critics.
Read more:
What we know about Luigi Mangione
Mangione tussles with police outside court
Mangione, whose lawyer has not commented, is currently being held on gun charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested, but Mr Bragg’s office is seeking his extradition to New York.