Authorities are shedding new light on the arrest of Luigi Mangione, who was taken into custody on firearm charges in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
Mangione, 26, is considered a “strong person of interest” in the targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, when Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald’s, he was found carrying a ghost gun and a suppressor—items that matched the weapon used in Thompson’s murder.
In addition to the firearm, police discovered multiple fraudulent IDs, including a fake New Jersey driver’s license that resembled one used by the Thompson shooting suspect to check into a New York City hostel before the murder.
Authorities also recovered a mask similar to those worn by the shooting suspect and a three-page document, allegedly written by Mangione, which is said to provide insight into his motivation and mindset.
The document allegedly contained disturbing statements, including the phrase, “These parasites had it coming.”
According to a police official who reviewed the writing, Mangione expressed some level of ill will toward corporate America.
Mangione’s arrest comes five days after Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton hotel on his way to an investor conference hosted by UnitedHealth Group.
Investigators found three discharged shell casings at the scene, which bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.”
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, had previously mentioned that her husband had been receiving threats before his death.
While Mangione has not yet been charged with Thompson’s killing, law enforcement officials believe his arrest could be a breakthrough in the investigation.
UnitedHealthcare issued a statement expressing hope that the latest developments would bring relief to those affected by the tragic loss of Thompson.
The company also thanked law enforcement for their work on the case and requested privacy for the grieving family.
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