Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was allegedly planning to use a bomb in his assassination plot, but decided against it to avoid harming bystanders.
Mangione, whose mother struggled with medical costs and was denied treatments, reportedly blamed UnitedHealthcare for worsening her condition and saw Thompson as a symbol of corporate greed.
Mangione's frustration over personal and systemic grievances fueled his manifesto and led to an elaborate plot.
On December 4, Mangione allegedly shot Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel during an investor event. Mangione was captured days later at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was found with a 3D-printed gun, a silencer, fake IDs and documents outlining his plan.
Prosecutors say Mangione acted alone, citing evidence from his manifesto and notebook, which detailed his decision to avoid a bombing to prevent innocent casualties, TMZ reported.
He wrote about what it would be like "to kill the CEO at his own bean counting conference," and claimed a shooting was favorable over using a bomb as it "could kill innocents."
Mangione faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder in New York and weapons offenses in Pennsylvania. He remains in custody after being denied bail, with extradition proceedings underway.
Authorities are examining his writings for further insights into his motives.
Thomas Dickey, Mangione's lawyer, says there is insufficient evidence to convict Mangione and he plans to plead not guilty.
Originally published by Latin Times
