"Act of terrorism is crazy" — Internet reacts to Luigi Mangione's indictment in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting

Manhattan District Attorney announced the murder indictment of Luigi Mangione on Tuesday, December 17, for the "frightening, well-planned, targeted" killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Besides one count of first-degree murder, Mangione is facing two charges of second-degree murder, one of which was charged as killing as an act of terrorism, as per CBS News' December 17 report.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke about Mangione's indictment at a press conference this Tuesday afternoon. As per CBS News, Bragg said:

"This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, attention, and intimidation. It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and business people just starting on their day."

He also called the killing of Brian Thompson something that was "intended to evoke terror."

The news of the indictment charges made rounds on social media, leading to netizens commenting on the terrorism charge. One X user wrote:

"Act of terrorism is crazy."

More internet users commented about the "act of terrorism" charge on Luigi Mangione. Several of them didn't seem to agree with the charge, with some pointing out that it's a "stretch," "not accurate," and "insane."

"Terrorism seems like a stretch, but that is the only way to get the death penalty in New York. New York DA's hummm," an X user commented.

"I thought terrorism definition included the attempt to harm innocent civilians. This seems like a set up of the suspect as an "example" to deter copycat crimes. It's not an accurate indictment. What a joke," another user on X said.

"This is insane, I don't agree with terrorism charges. Ethan Crumbly was also charged with terrorism. He pled guilty but they went after his parents remember," one netizen remarked.

Others pointed out the "hypocrisy" of Mangione's indictment on Brian Thompson's murder, which they thought underscored the real problem.

"I find this really annoying. Murder a gas station attendant and it's just everyday whatever. Murder one CEO and it's terrorism? Kind of underscoring the whole problem here," a netizen commented.

"Meanwhile Netanyahu we're literally invited by the United States of America for a party, who killed thousands of people. The hypocrisy," an X user pointed out.

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What to know about Luigi Mangione's indictment in New York

Luigi Mangione had already been charged with murder in the December 4 killing of Brian Thompson. As per NPR's December 17 report, hours after Mangione's arrest in Pennsylvania on December 9, the Manhattan District Attorney's office filed paperwork charging him with murder, and his latest indictment builds on that paperwork. That said, the terror allegation from the Manhattan DA is new.

During the December 17 press conference, Bragg announced that authorities had slapped Mangione with multiple charges, one of which is murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism. There are also two counts of murder in the second degree, with one count alleging that he killed Thompson as an act of terrorism.

The Manhattan DA's office also charged him with several lesser felonies, including criminal possession of a weapon.

These charges await Mangione in New York the moment he gets extradited. According to Pennsylvania prosecutors, via CBS News, his extradition proceeding was scheduled for Thursday, December 19.

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This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more news and updates on Luigi Mangione's case and charges.