Luigi Mangione, accused in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, was indicted for murder Tuesday by a New York City grand jury.
"This type of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated," Democrat Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. "I want to extend my heartfelt prayers to Mr. Thompson's family as they continue to grieve."
Mangione, 26, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder in the furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder, which includes a count of killing as an act of terrorism; two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon; one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Under New York law, such a terrorism charge can be brought when an alleged crime is "intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping."
Mangione's New York attorney has not commented on the case.
"This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation," Bragg said. "It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatened the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day."
Ivy League-educated Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Penssylvania, on Dec. 9 after a five-day manhunt and charged with murdering Thompson, 50, before a company conference. Tuesday's indictment builds on those charges.
Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania, where he faces several charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. He reportedly is expected to waive extradition from Pennsylvania during his next court appearance at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.