Murder suspect Luigi Mangione "likely views himself as a hero," and saw the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson as a "symbolic takedown," according to an internal New York City Police Department report that detailed parts of a three-page manifesto found with the suspect when he was arrested Sunday in Pennsylvania.
The report, obtained by The New York Times, said the writings found on the 26-year-old, who is facing murder and weapons charges in New York in connection with the Dec. 4 shooting, further indicated that Mangione, 26, saw the killing as a challenge to the healthcare industry's "alleged corruption and power games."
"Frankly these parasites simply had it coming," the report quoted from the documents found on the suspect.
The writings, the NYPD said, show that Mangione "views himself as a hero of sorts who has finally decided to act upon such injustices." The department further said there are concerns that others could see the suspected killer as a "martyr and an example to follow."
Mangione was charged late Monday in Manhattan with second-degree murder, use of a forged weapon, and related gun charges.
An extradition hearing took place Tuesday afternoon at the Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania, where he faced weapons charges after his arrest at a McDonald's restaurant in Altoona.
Someone reported recognizing Mangione and called the local police, who found him sitting alone with his laptop and backpack. His face was hidden with a medical mask.