Suspect in health CEO killing charged with murder in New York

Luigi Mangione, suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on Dec. 19, 2024 in New York City.

The man accused of gunning down a U.S. insurance executive in Manhattan — a killing that tapped into widespread anger with the American health care system — appeared in a New York court Thursday to face federal charges including murder.

Luigi Mangione's arraignment took place hours after U.S. television networks broadcast the 26-year-old's dramatic extradition by plane and helicopter from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald's restaurant last week.

Wearing shackles around his ankles, Mangione appeared before federal judge Katharine Parker, who read out the charges in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, including murder, stalking and firearms offenses, according to a court spokesperson.

Thompson's murder brought to the surface deep public frustration with the dysfunction and ills of the lucrative U.S. commercial health care system, with many social media users lionizing Mangione.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, supporters held posters that read "Health over wealth" and "Luigi freed us."

But James Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office stressed that Magione's alleged actions amounted to a "carefully premeditated and targeted execution."

"This alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity — deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances."

If convicted, Mangione could face the death penalty or life in prison, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

  State charges 

The fresh federal charges expand...