Curious: I heard about a murder in New York being classified as a terrorist act. What happened?

Journalist: Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, is accused of killing Brian Thompson, a health insurance executive. The Manhattan District Attorney said the murder was meant to “incite terror.”

Curious: Who was Brian Thompson?

Journalist: He was the CEO of UnitedHealthCare, a major health insurance company in the U.S. He was killed on December 4, early in the morning, in Manhattan’s financial district.

Curious: Why is this being called a “terrorist act”?

Journalist: The prosecutor considers the murder symbolic, targeting a specific sector: health insurance. When Mangione was arrested, police found a handwritten manifesto criticizing the American healthcare system.

Curious: Where was he arrested?

Journalist: He was caught in Pennsylvania, about 500 km from New York. For now, he remains detained there, but authorities hope to transfer him to New York soon for trial.

Curious: What sentence could he face if convicted?

Journalist: Life in prison, without the possibility of parole. A grand jury upheld the charge of murder with a terrorist dimension.

Curious: Do we know his motivations?

Journalist: Not entirely. Luigi Mangione is described as a brilliant former student from a wealthy family. However, police found a three-page manifesto on him that condemns the healthcare system’s abuses, which are very unpopular in the U.S.

Curious: Why is this such a sensitive topic?

Journalist: The American healthcare system is heavily criticized. Many people believe it makes companies rich at the expense of patients. Brian Thompson’s death has shocked the public but also sparked hateful comments online, reflecting the deep anger around this issue.

Curious: What’s next for Mangione?

Journalist: He’s due to appear in a Pennsylvania court on Thursday. That hearing could speed up his transfer to New York, where he’ll face trial.

Curious: This trial will probably get a lot of attention.

Journalist: Absolutely. Between criticisms of the healthcare system and the “terrorist” angle of the murder, this case will make headlines in the coming weeks.