"Our family is shocked and devastated" — Luigi Mangione's cousin releases statement following his arrest for UHC CEO Brian Thompson's murder

Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man suspected in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was arrested by the police at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania on December 9, 2024. His arrest came five days after the shooting that took Thompson's life, which occurred outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan at around 6:45 am on December 4.

Luigi Mangione's family released an official statement on Facebook following his arrest. The alleged shooter's cousin, Nino Mangione, a Republican Maryland State Delegate, posted on his Facebook page that the family was "shocked and devastated" on hearing about his cousin's arrest.

"Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news," the statement read.

Luigi Mangione was arrested after a five-day manhunt following Thompson's murder. According to CBC, a patron at the McDonald's in Altoona, PA, called the authorities when they spotted Mangione eating at the fast food chain after identifying him from the images circulated on social media.

The alleged perpetrator was charged with second-degree murder, and three gun-related charges and forgery. He will reportedly be extradited to New York to face the charges.

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Luigi Mangione reportedly underwent surgery for back pain in 2023

According to The New York Times, Luigi Mangione lived with debilitating back pain and underwent surgery for it last year. His ailment reportedly impeded his personal and romantic life and his GoodReads reading list also consisted of several books about chronic pain and back injuries.

While it is unclear what the alleged gunman's motive for Thompson's murder was, many netizens suspect his back injury could have played a part in it.

Police also found a handwritten manifesto during the time of his arrest. The manifesto reported criticised the health insurance industry for "placing profits over care," mentioning UnitedHealthcare by name.

According to CNN, a police officer who saw the manifesto claimed it read:

“I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done. The parasites had it coming."

Police also found a "ghost gun" (an untraceable weapon made at home), a suppressor and several fake IDs with him when he was arrested. Luigi Mangione reportedly "became quiet and started to shake" when police caught up to him at McDonald's.

According to CBC, a spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare released a statement on December 9 following Mangione's arrest, thanking law enforcement for their work.

“Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation. We ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy as they mourn,” the statement read.

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In other news, Brian Thompson's death sparked a conversation about healthcare and the cost of health insurance in the United States.

UnitedHealthcare has over 50 million customers in America and raked in $281.4 billion in 2023.

Following Thompson's fatal shooting, many online lauded Luigi Mangione as a hero, calling for his release following his arrest with the hashtag #FreeLuigi trending on X.