Luigi Mangione is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO

On Tuesday, Luigi Mangione was charged with first-degree murder, branding him a terrorist and explicitly challenging the notion that the assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO was a valid political act.

According to the indictment, Mangione faces 11 counts, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in Thompson's death on December 4 in New York, as well as additional weapon and forgery allegations.

“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” said Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, at a news conference on Tuesday.

A gunman opened fire "in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, and commuters and business people just starting out on their day," Mr. Bragg stated.

If convicted, he risks a life sentence without parole, according to Bragg's office.

Following the incident, Mangione fled New York City and was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a few days later when a customer identified him and an employee notified the local police. He was accused with firearms possession and forgery in Pennsylvania.

Mangione is due to return to a Pennsylvania courthouse on Thursday morning for two hearings, one on charges he faces in that state and the other on extradition to New York.