Luigi Mangione indicted on murder charges after CEO shooting: DA

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Luigi Mangione has been indicted on murder charges, District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Tuesday.

Mangione faces one count of first-degree murder "in furtherance of terrorism" and two counts of second-degree murder related to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to the indictment.

For the top two charges, Mangione could face a sentence of life without parole, Bragg said. Mangione also faces weapons charges for a loaded firearm, silencer and ammunition, according to the indictment. 

Mangione faces murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism, a charge Bragg said is justified by the presumed intention behind the killing. Mangione's alleged writings, public shooting location and the response to the killing have all justified the charge, Bragg said.

“This was a killing that was intended to evoke terror, and we’ve seen that reaction,” Bragg said. "This was a frightening, well-planned targeted murder, that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation."

Mangione is fighting being sent to face charges in New York City while being held without bail in Pennsylvania. Officials believe Mangione will waive extradition on Thursday, Bragg said.

He was arraigned for an unrelated gun charge in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was found in a McDonald’s with multiple fake IDs, a firearm and suppressor that matched those at the scene of the shooting, and a handwritten document, according to NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch. 

Mangione is expected back in court Thursday in Pennsylvania when he will have an extradition hearing for his New York City charges. Should he fight extradition, Bragg will pursue a Governor's warrant to potentially force the suspect back to New York City, he said.

This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press.