In a newly released complaint, federal prosecutors cited writings from a notebook and a letter to claim that Luigi Mangione had been planning his alleged attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson for several months.

Mangione, who is already facing state charges for the bold attack on Thompson, appeared in federal court on Thursday, surprising his defense team.

Instead of his scheduled arraignment at the New York County Supreme Court, Mangione, 26, was taken to a federal courthouse following his extradition from Pennsylvania. Thompson was fatally shot on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan, leading to a weeklong manhunt that concluded with Mangione’s arrest on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

By the end of Thursday, Mangione was placed in a federal prison in Brooklyn.

“In my over thirty years of working in criminal law in New York, I have never witnessed anything like this situation,” said Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, in federal court. She noted that even state prosecutors seemed caught off guard by this development.

He is charged federally with murder using a weapon, two counts of stalking, and an additional firearms charge, which are distinct from the state charges he received earlier this week from a New York grand jury that includes first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder (one as an act of terrorism), and various weapons offenses.

What insights do we gain from Luigi Mangione’s notebook?

FBI Special Agent Gary Cobb described in the criminal complaint that Mangione’s handwritten notebook contained entries reflecting his “anger towards the health insurance sector, particularly its wealthy executives.”

One entry dated “8/15” noted that “the details are finally coming together,” as mentioned in the complaint. The complete entries were not included. Another excerpt read: “I’m actually grateful for my procrastination, as it allowed me to gather more information about (abbreviation for Company-1).”

This entry also stated that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box,” Cobb noted.

Another entry from “10/22” mentioned: “1.5 months. This investor conference is a significant opportunity . . . and – most importantly – the message will be clear.” It also implied a plan to “wack” the CEO of an insurance firm during an investor conference, as stated by Cobb.

A letter addressed “To the Feds” included the following lines: “I wasn’t collaborating with anyone. This was relatively straightforward: Some basic social engineering, rudimentary CAD, plenty of patience.”

“P.S. you can verify this is entirely self-financed by checking serial numbers. My own ATM withdrawals.”

Cobb explained that “CAD” is thought to represent “computer-aided design.”

Federal authorities assert Mangione’s attack was premeditated

Federal prosecutors declared that the evidence points to Mangione having meticulously planned the murder for months, aimed at igniting discussion regarding practices within the insurance industry.

“As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight, directly in front of a Manhattan hotel, in a profoundly misguided effort to project Mangione’s perspective nationwide,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim.

The act was intentional and specifically aimed, according to prosecutors.

“Thompson was reportedly slain solely because he held the position of CEO of a health insurance company,” Kim remarked.

Remembrance of Thompson’s ascent in his career

“He was one of the brightest kids, if not the brightest, and I would say the most brilliant person I’ve ever known,” said childhood friend Taylor Hill. “He outshined probably half of our teachers. And the amazing part is they recognized it, too.”

Thompson, 50, grew up on a farm between Jewell, Iowa, and the smaller town of Stanhope, graduating from the combined South Hamilton High School in 1993. He moved on to the University of Iowa and began his career at UnitedHealthcare in 2004. He steadily progressed through the organization to lead the large Minneapolis-based health insurance firm, ultimately being appointed CEO in April 2021.

Throughout his career at UnitedHealthcare, he held various leadership roles, most recently serving as CEO of government programs, where he managed the company’s Medicare, retirement, and state community businesses.

“Brian was a highly regarded colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” stated UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of United Healthcare.

What is next for Luigi Mangione’s legal proceedings?

Federal prosecutors indicated on Thursday that the state case is likely to go to trial before the federal case does.

“I’ll let the Southern District of New York address their own plans, but I just want to emphasize that typically, we have state and federal prosecutions proceed concurrently, and we are in discussions with our law enforcement partners,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

State officials have yet to announce a rescheduled date for Mangione’s arraignment. He is scheduled to return to federal court for a preliminary hearing on January 18.

Potential for capital punishment with new charges

While New York state has abolished the death penalty, one of Mangione’s federal charges could have it reinstated if he is found guilty.

According to a news release from federal prosecutors, murder with a firearm can lead to a death sentence or life imprisonment.

The other federal charges could also result in life imprisonment, while the firearm-related charge has a minimum imprisonment term of 30 years.

Reasons Behind Terrorism Accusations Against Mangione

Although the shooting does not typically align with our conventional understanding of terrorism, state prosecutors have justified including it in Mangione’s murder charges, as explained by Barbara McQuade, a law professor at Michigan and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

In New York, charges for first-degree murder apply only under specific circumstances, such as when the act is committed “in furtherance of an act of terrorism.” This implies the presence of intent to intimidate or coerce the civilian population, sway government policy through intimidation or coercion, or influence governmental action through murder, assassination, or kidnapping.

“I believe they can establish that the motive here was to set an example of a person in the insurance industry for harmful practices that affect consumers,” McQuade stated.

McQuade added that public response to the shooting likely influenced prosecutors’ decision to include the terrorism charge.

“There are individuals who regard this man as a hero. It’s crucial to communicate that he is not a hero. He is not merely a murderer; he is also, allegedly, a terrorist,” McQuade emphasized.