Luigi Mangione hit with federal charges in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

On Thursday, the Department of Justice hit Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with federal charges in the case. 

Mangione has been charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder, one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, one count of stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, and one count of discharging a firearm that was equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence. The first charge has a maximum sentence of the death penalty or life in prison, the following two charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, while the last charge has a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 30 years, per a press release from the Department of Justice. 

The DOJ stated that Mangione had "meticulously planned the execution of Brian Thompson" over the last several months "in an effort to initiate a public discussion about the healthcare industry." Mangione allegedly tracked his victim and traveled from out of state to New York City on November 24, more than one week before the shooting, to perform reconnaissance around the hotel venue. He checked into an Upper West Side hostel using false identification, the DOJ said. 

Mangione allegedly placed himself between two cars outside the hotel at around 6:45 am after arriving in the area by bicycle and when Thompson walked by, he fired several shots, resulting in Thompson’s death. 

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement, "Today, the Justice Department has brought federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione. As alleged, Mangione planned his attack for months and stalked his victim for days before murdering him — methodically planning when, where, and how to carry out his crime. I am grateful to our state and local law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to locate and apprehend the defendant and to ensure that he answers for his alleged crime."

Mangione was taken into federal custody on Thursday and was scheduled to appear in Manhattan federal court Thursday afternoon. Mangione is also facing murder charges in New York City.