Crime
Luigi Mangione reviewed the Unabomber manifesto “violence is necessary to survive”
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel last week, was arrested on Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Authorities were tipped off by a restaurant employee who recognized him from widely circulated surveillance images.
During the arrest, police discovered several key pieces of evidence tying Mangione to the murder. Among them was a fake New Jersey ID with the alias “Mark Rosario,” allegedly used to check into a New York City hostel prior to the shooting.
Additionally, Mangione was found in possession of a “ghost gun” equipped with a suppressor capable of firing 9mm rounds. Detectives are investigating whether this weapon matches the firearm used in the killing.
A three-page note, critical of corporate America, was also recovered.
The note may provide insight into Mangione’s motive, with references that echo the violent ideologies of the Unabomber manifesto, which Mangione reportedly reviewed and quoted in his online activity.
Mangione, born and raised in Towson, Maryland, graduated as valedictorian from the prestigious Gilman School in 2016 before pursuing higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied artificial intelligence.
He is also the cousin of Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione, who represents District 42A.
Investigators have determined that Mangione most recently lived in Hawaii and had no prior arrest record.
The NYPD launched a nationwide manhunt for Thompson’s killer, releasing surveillance images of the suspect over the weekend. These images led to numerous tips, culminating in Mangione’s arrest. He is currently being held in Pennsylvania on firearms possession charges and is expected to be extradited to New York to face murder charges.
UnitedHealth issued a statement in response to the arrest, saying:
“Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation. We ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.”
The investigation remains active, with detectives working to establish further connections between Mangione and the murder. Police are also examining Mangione’s potential motives, which appear rooted in his disdain for corporate America, as outlined in the recovered manifesto. Mangione remains in custody as authorities prepare to formally charge him with Thompson’s murder.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.