NEW YORK, NY. – A significant step toward justice was reached on Tuesday as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of a suspect involved in the targeted murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan earlier this month.
The charges include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and multiple weapons possession counts, including the use of a 3D-printed ghost gun with a suppressor.
The case, described as a “frightening, well-planned, and targeted murder”, resulted from tireless collaboration between the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, NYPD, and authorities in Pennsylvania.
Manhattan DA Bragg outlined the indictment, which includes:
- First-degree murder (as an act of terrorism).
- Two counts of second-degree murder (one for an act of terrorism and one for intentional killing).
- Multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second, third, and fourth degrees.
- Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.
The maximum penalty for first-degree murder and second-degree terrorism-related murder is life without parole.
Timeline of Events
- November 24th, 2024: The suspect arrived in New York City via bus, checking into an Upper West Side hostel under a fake New Jersey ID.
- December 4th, 2024: The suspect left the hostel around 5:30 a.m. and traveled to Midtown Manhattan.
- Between 6:38 a.m. and 6:44 a.m., the suspect waited near the Hilton Hotel on West 54th Street. Upon spotting Brian Thompson, he approached him from behind and fired two shots—one to the back and one to the leg—using a 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a suppressor.
- The suspect fled the scene on an e-bike before switching to a taxi that transported him uptown.
Days later, on December 9th, the suspect was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania after being spotted by local authorities. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found with:
- A 9mm handgun with a suppressor.
- Two ammunition magazines.
- The same fake New Jersey ID used at the hostel.
District Attorney Bragg emphasized the growing threat of ghost guns, which are untraceable and increasingly accessible through 3D-printing technology.
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“Ghost guns are just as deadly as traditional firearms,” Bragg said. “This tragic case underscores the urgency of addressing the proliferation of these weapons.”
The suspect is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania on Thursday, followed immediately by an extradition hearing. Should the suspect waive extradition, he will be transferred to New York to face the charges.
NYPD Commissioner praised the relentless effort of investigators, saying, “Our detectives worked tirelessly to ensure this case moved forward, and today’s indictment affirms the rule of law.”
“This was a well-planned, horrific act that threatened the safety of our city,” said DA Bragg. “We will continue to pursue justice for Brian Thompson and his family, and ensure that those who carry out acts of violence are held accountable.”
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