US authorities allege that Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, committed an act of domestic terrorism.
Mangione has now been formally indicted by a New York grand jury.
He faces 11 charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and murder as an act of terrorism.
Who was Brian Thompson, why are so many people happy he’s dead?
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the killing as “well-planned, targeted, and intended to cause shock and intimidation”.
Mr Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, moments before the company’s annual investor conference.
Authorities say the attack was far from a typical killing.
“This was a killing intended to evoke terror, and we’ve seen that reaction,” Mr Bragg said.
The crime has sparked mixed reactions, including public anger at America’s corporate healthcare sector and support for the alleged killer.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the response as “shocking and appalling”.
“These threats are the work of a lawless, violent mob,” Ms Tisch warned.
Police revealed Mr Mangione was carrying a handwritten manifesto criticising corporate America, along with a ‘ghost gun’ tied to the crime scene.
Friends say he struggled with a back injury, though UnitedHealthcare confirmed he was not a client.
Mr Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania and remains in custody.
He faces an extradition hearing on Thursday, where he may waive proceedings and be transferred to New York.
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