Prosecutors released body-camera footage of a Dec. 9, 2024, confrontation at a McDonald's in Altoona after staff reported a patron who resembled a suspected shooter. Body-language analyst Susan Constantine said Luigi Mangione displayed a "freeze" response, concealment behaviors and other signals she considered "red flags." Police testimony said magazines and bullets were found among Mangione's belongings. Mangione faces multiple state and federal charges and could face the death penalty.
Body-Cam Shows 'Red Flags' in McDonald's Arrest of Luigi Mangione, Expert Says
Luigi Mangione raised ‘red flags’ in McDonald’s confrontation with police, body language expert says
Prosecutors released body-camera footage showing police confronting Luigi Mangione at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2024. Authorities allege Mangione is responsible for the December killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; Mangione has been charged in state and federal court.
Luigi Mangione speaks to a police officer in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
What the Video Shows
According to reports and the released footage, a restaurant employee recognized Mangione, told a co-worker, and the manager placed an initial 911 call reporting a suspicious customer who resembled a suspected shooter. The manager told dispatchers other patrons flagged the man as resembling the New York suspect.
Luigi Mangione talks with a police officer in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Body-Language Analysis
Body-language analyst Susan Constantine, speaking to Fox News Digital, identified several behaviors she described as "red flags." Constantine said Mangione briefly exhibited a "freeze" response—wide eyes and a dropped mouth—then remained silent rather than asking questions, denying wrongdoing, or engaging with officers.
Luigi Mangione allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
"He does this expression on his face when he's asked that question, is that frozen freeze response. Eyes wide open, mouth drops. And then he doesn't deny. He doesn't ask any questions. He doesn't defend himself," Constantine said. "He doesn't say anything. And the fact that he doesn't say anything, all of those were red flags because you would naturally be curious."
Constantine also noted Mangione's choice of seating—positioned in a corner—and his clothing. She pointed to concealment (mask, hat pulled low, head down) as behavior she considers consistent with an attempt to avoid notice and, in her view, a possible indicator of dangerous intent. When Mangione produced a driver's license, Constantine said his posture and movements suggested a "fear response" and that he appeared to realize the encounter was effectively over.
Evidence and Charges
Altoona Police Officer Christy Wasser testified in court that officers found a magazine with bullets wrapped in wet underwear inside Mangione's backpack and that another magazine was hidden in his underwear. Mangione now faces multiple state and federal charges connected to Thompson's death; prosecutors have said he could face the death penalty.
The footage, witness accounts and testimony are part of an ongoing legal process. Court filings, witness statements and prosecutor statements will determine how the evidence is weighed in trial. As with all pending cases, those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
