ALTOONA, Pennsylvania — A suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was apprehended Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, according to law enforcement officials. Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested after a customer recognized him and notified authorities.
Mangione, who has been nicknamed “The Adjuster” on social media, was allegedly found with a passport, $10,000 in cash—including $2,000 in foreign currency—and a laptop, Pennsylvania State Police reported. Officials said Mangione provided a fake ID to officers but became visibly nervous when questioned about recent visits to New York.
The killing occurred Wednesday in midtown Manhattan as Thompson, 50, was walking to a hotel for an investor conference. Surveillance footage shows the shooter approaching Thompson from behind and firing before fleeing on a bicycle. Law enforcement said ammunition recovered at the scene was inscribed with the phrases “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” words that echo criticisms often directed at the insurance industry.
UnitedHealthcare, under Thompson’s leadership, has faced scrutiny for its practices, including a 32% claim denial rate—the highest among major U.S. health insurers. This statistic has fueled significant public frustration with the company, a sentiment reflected in social media discussions. While many users condemned the attack, others framed the suspect as a symbol of resistance against what they view as systemic failures in the healthcare industry.
Mangione reportedly traveled through Pennsylvania, attempting to evade surveillance by moving between cities. He was ultimately arrested in Altoona, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, after a McDonald’s customer tipped off law enforcement.
The killing has sparked a complex national reaction, with some expressing anger at the insurance industry’s practices and others cautioning against romanticizing violent acts. Mangione is expected to face charges in New York, where authorities continue investigating the motive behind the crime.
