BALTIMORE — Authorities have identified Luigi Mangione, a 2016 graduate of Baltimore’s Gilman School, as a suspect in an murder case that has gripped the nation. Mangione came under scrutiny for possible involvement in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson following his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania Monday.
Arrest Details
Mangione was apprehended by New York police at a McDonald’s in Altoona, where officers reportedly discovered a fake ID, a ghost gun and a suppressor in his possession. These items are believed to be connected to the shooting of Thompson, who was killed in broad daylight on Wednesday.
Mangione was officially charged with murder Monday night. His family released a statement after his arrest, saying:
"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."
Maryland Connection
Mangione’s academic achievements are notable. After graduating as valedictorian from Gilman School—one of Baltimore’s elite all-boys prep schools—he went on to earn a degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In his valedictory speech, Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website, which has since been removed. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset.
"We do not have any information other than what is being reported in the news," Gilman's Head of School Henry Smyth wrote in a letter to the community. "This is deeply distressing news on top of an already awful situation. Our hearts go out to everyone affected."
One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione. WUSA9's attempts to contact the delegate for comment have gone unanswered.
Classmates of Luigi Mangione said they were stunned by the news.
"It caught me by surprise. Luigi in high school was one of the smartest people I've met. Definitely caught me off guard. Never pictured Luigi be that type of person or anything like that," one classmate said.
His last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii, and he also has ties to San Francisco.
Community Shock
The arrest has sent ripples through Baltimore, where Mangione’s family is well-known and respected. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report.
The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance.
Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts.
Authorities are urging patience as they work to corroborate leads and confirm further details. Officials said Mangione had no prior arrest history in New York and they didn't believe he has an arrest record anywhere in the country.
