Thompson was fatally shot outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York on Wednesday (December 4).
Footage released by police showed the moment a person armed with a gun approached the UnitedHealthcare CEO from behind and began shooting before fleeing the scene.
“Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted. But at this point, we do not know why,” the NYPD Chief of Detectives, Joe Kenny, said.
Yesterday (December 9), officials announced that a person of interest had been detained after being spotted in a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip-off from an employee at the fast-food joint.
After being brought in for questioning, Luigi Mangione, 26, has since been charged with the murder of Thompson, as well as possessing an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false ID to cops.
Luigi Mangione was seen yelling at reporters (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Mangione was taken to Blair County Courthouse, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday (December 10), where he was filmed shouting a message to reporters who were waiting outside.
“It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people. It’s lived experience,” he could be heard saying.
The suspect made the remarks as he was being led from a car into the court by numerous police officers, and he was then forced inside the building before being able to finish what he was saying.
Following his detainment yesterday, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch said: “The suspect was in a McDonald’s and was recognised by an employee who then called local police.
Mangione has been charged with murder (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
“Responding officers questioned the suspect, who was acting suspiciously and was carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a US passport.
“Upon further investigation, officers recovered a firearm on his person, as well as a suppressor, both consistent with the weapon used in the murder.
“They also recovered clothing, including a mask, consistent with those worn by our wanted individual.
“Additionally, officers recovered a handwritten document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset.”
