Luigi Mangione, the primary suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was captured at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday morning.

Authorities received a tip from an alert restaurant employee who recognized Mangione from surveillance images widely shared by the NYPD.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny credited the swift identification to the release of a maskless photo of Mangione last week.

“Luckily, a citizen in Pennsylvania recognized our subject and called local law enforcement,” Kenny stated.

At the time of his arrest, Mangione was calmly eating inside the McDonald’s. Investigators do not believe he was attempting to flee the country.

Mangione, 26, was in possession of a “ghost gun” with a 9mm capability and a suppressor, which police suspect may have been 3D-printed.

Forensic testing is underway to determine if the weapon matches the one used in Thompson’s killing.

In addition to the weapon, police recovered a multi-page handwritten manifesto, providing insight into Mangione’s motive.

The document contains troubling statements, including:

• “These parasites had it coming.”
• “I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done.”

The note appears to rail against the healthcare industry, with Mangione stating he acted alone and was self-funded. NYPD investigators confirmed that no other individuals are believed to be involved, and there are no additional threats indicated in the document.

Mangione, originally from Towson, Maryland, graduated as valedictorian from the Gilman School in 2016.

A video has surfaced of him delivering his valedictory address at the prestigious Baltimore institution.

Mangione later attended the University of Pennsylvania, studying artificial intelligence and cognitive science.

The manifesto, along with other evidence, is now in the possession of Altoona police. The investigation remains active, with authorities meticulously piecing together Mangione’s actions leading up to the murder.

While Mangione remains in custody on firearms charges, he is expected to be extradited to New York, where he will face charges related to Thompson’s execution-style murder outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel last week.

Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they continue to build their case against Mangione. Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare issued a statement expressing hope that the arrest provides some comfort to Thompson’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.

The chilling nature of the crime, paired with Mangione’s background as a high-achieving student, has shocked many as investigators work to uncover the full story behind this tragic event.