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Luigi Mangione, accused of the murder of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, reportedly visited a gun range in Thailand months before the shooting. Citing statements by two German tourists, TMZ on Monday, January 6, 2024, reported that Mangione allegedly went on a solo Asia trip early last year.
The tourists in question, Paul and Max, interviewed for the publication's new documentary, Luigi Mangione: The Mind of a Killer. The pair claimed that they met the 26-year-old accused during his trip and "traveled extensively" with him for a week and a half.
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They detailed a particular day when Luigi opted out of a beach day in Thailand, allegedly preferring to go to the shooting range instead. He later told the men that it was expensive.
Luigi Mangione was allegedly obsessed with the book Hit Reverse: New Ideas From Old Books
Paul and Max also revealed that Luigi Mangione was reportedly obsessed with the book Hit Reverse: New Ideas From Old Books by Indian author Jash Dholani. The book explores philosophies from various texts across the world, including those by Napoleon Bonaparte and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Per TMZ, Luigi was so taken by the book that he allegedly purchased 400 copies. He even flew to Mumbai to meet the author and gave him feedback. The publication added that they confirmed with Dholani that he met Mangione.
Per the documentary, Luigi was also influenced by another book about corporate greed, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. TMZ speculated on what made the 26-year-old gun down Brian Thompson, claiming he was more concerned about corporate greed and viewed the American healthcare industry as a prime example of it.
Officials investigating the scene of Brian Thompson's murder found shell casings with the words "Deny," "Delay," and "Depose" written on them. These terms are allegedly used by insurance companies like United HealthCare to deny claims.
Since then, the shooting has sparked a discourse on the condition of the health insurance industry in the United States. Some online have hailed Luigi as a hero.
On December 4, Pennsylvania authorities arrested Luigi Mangione for fatally shooting Thompson in Manhattan and fleeing. A McDonald's employee recognized him from the photos released by the cops. At the time of his arrest, Luigi was carrying with him a gun, a fake ID, and a handwritten manifesto indicating his anger at "corporate America."
By December 11, the 26-year-old was indicted on 11 counts, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to all charges levied against him. During the plea hearing, his lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns about Mangione's right to a fair trial, citing the politicization of the case. She explained that several public officials were making prejudiced statements about her client, adding that NYC Mayor Eric Adams was using Luigi as a "political fodder."
He is set to next appear in court in February 2025.
TMZ Investigates: "Luigi Mangione: The Mind Of A Killer" premiered on Monday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. It is available to stream on Hulu.
