Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly documented plans for the assassination in a diary prior to Thompson’s shooting in December 2023. According to prosecutors, Mangione’s red notebook contained writings expressing his disdain for the healthcare industry, which he viewed as a “greed-fueled cartel.” In August 2024, he wrote that traditional acts of rebellion, such as bombing the company’s headquarters, equated to terrorism and were reckless. Later entries suggested more targeted violence; one noted the potential for killing Thompson at an industry conference, emphasizing that it would be a precise action that wouldn’t endanger innocents and would send a strong message.
Prosecutors cited these diary entries to justify a terrorism enhancement to the first-degree murder charge, arguing they showed clear premeditation and intent. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann characterized the evidence against Mangione as overwhelmingly supportive of a guilty verdict. Meanwhile, Mangione’s attorney has attempted to dismiss the charges, asserting that the evidence is insufficient.
Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton hotel just before an investor conference and the shooter escaped, but within five days, police arrested Mangione after he was identified at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Thompson’s murder sparked national discourse on healthcare costs, with Mangione’s hearings attracting protests against the industry. His legal defense fund has surpassed $1 million, following the announcement by Attorney General Pam Bondi that federal prosecutors would seek the death penalty. Mangione’s next court appearance for state charges is scheduled for June 26.
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