Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty In Connection With His Murder Of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced that LUIGI NICHOLAS MANGIONE pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in connection with the December 4, 2024, murder of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.  MANGIONE is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2026.   

“Today, Luigi Mangione admitted to stalking and murdering Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in broad daylight,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “No grievance, political belief, or ideological cause can justify murder.  With today’s guilty plea, Mangione is being held accountable for a heinous crime that claimed an innocent life and drew national attention.  I commend the FBI, the NYPD, our law enforcement partners, and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office for their tireless work in securing this result.” 

“Violence driven by such hostility toward opportunity and progress stands in sharp contrast to the values many Americans hold dear,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Rest assured, the FBI and our partners never stopped working to bring a killer to justice.  While a plea has been entered in this case, we know the crime has not been erased.  While nothing can ease the family's grief, we hope this brings them one step closer to closure.”

“Luigi Mangione carried out a ruthless act of violence that shocked this city, and today’s guilty plea is an important moment of accountability for this heinous crime,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “This case demonstrated the extraordinary work of NYPD detectives, who relentlessly pursued every lead, pairing sophisticated technology with painstaking, old-fashioned police work to identify the suspect and build the case that brought us to this day.  I want to thank all the members of the NYPD who worked tirelessly on this case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their partnership.  And to those who idolize Mangione—violence is not a cause, murder is not a message, and a killer is not a hero.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings in this case:

In the months leading up to December 4, 2024, MANGIONE developed and executed a plan to kill Brian Thompson.  MANGIONE targeted Thompson because of his role as Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare.  He traveled from outside New York to New York City specifically to carry out the attack.  After arriving in the city more than a week before the murder, MANGIONE conducted surveillance on locations Thompson frequented, including the area surrounding the hotel where Thompson was staying and the venue hosting UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference. 

On the morning of December 4, 2024, MANGIONE positioned himself near the conference venue in Midtown Manhattan and waited for Thompson to arrive.  At approximately 6:45 a.m., MANGIONE approached Thompson from behind and shot him multiple times, causing Thompson’s death.  MANGIONE then fled the scene.

Five days later, on December 9, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested MANGIONE in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  At the time of his arrest, MANGIONE possessed a false driver’s license that he had previously used while in New York City.  Law enforcement also recovered a firearm and other evidence linking him to the murder.

MANGIONE, 28, of Maryland, pled guilty to one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, and one count of cyberstalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, the NYPD, the Altoona Police Department in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. 

Attorney General Coalition and DOJ Secures More Than 280,000 Eggs for New York City Families

 

Second Delivery of Eggs to New York City Food Banks After AG James’ Investigation into Price Fixing by Major Egg Producers

Food Banks Throughout the State Will Receive Over 4.9 Million Eggs; Over One Million Eggs Delivered to Date

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the delivery of more than 280,000 eggs to Food Bank For New York City in the Bronx as part of a bipartisan multistate settlement with Cal-Maine Foods (Cal-Maine), Versova/Centrum (Versova), and Hickman’s Egg Ranch (Hickman’s) for years of price fixing. A multistate investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alongside the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 16 other states revealed that Cal-Maine, Versova, and Hickman’s illegally coordinated to influence a daily price index for eggs. The investigation alleged that this coordination artificially increased prices for retailers and consumers throughout the country for years. Under a settlement with the states, the three egg producers will deliver 53 million eggs to food banks in the 17 participating states, including 4,968,000 eggs to New York. In addition to the egg deliveries, the companies will pay $3.3 million to the states and make changes to their practices to prevent future violations of the law. The delivery of 23,400 cartons of a dozen eggs to Food Bank For New York City is the fifth in a series of egg deliveries to food banks statewide and marks over one million eggs distributed so far.

“New York City families deserve fair prices for essentials at the grocery store,” said Attorney General James. “For years, corporate greed inflated the price of eggs as companies worked together to push prices and their profits even higher. After putting a stop to this, my office has secured millions of free eggs for New Yorkers, and more than one million eggs have already been delivered to food banks across the state. I thank Food Bank for New York City for their partnership to ensure New Yorkers in need receive these eggs.”

“We are grateful to the Attorney General for helping make this delivery possible," said Elizabeth Romano, Senior Director of Operations at Food Bank For New York City. "Eggs are an important source of protein and we’re pleased to help provide this nutritious food to families facing food insecurity across the five boroughs.”

More than 280,000 eggs delivered to Food Bank For New York City that will be distributed throughout New York City.

The Attorney Generals coalition and DOJ's investigation found that beginning at least as early as 2022, these three major egg producers secretly coordinated their bidding strategies to influence the daily egg price quotes published by Urner Barry, a benchmark pricing service widely used in egg supply contracts. The companies submitted sham bids at artificially inflated prices to distort the market, then withdrew those bids, intentionally aiming to raise the Urner Barry price quotes. By manipulating the Urner Barry benchmark, the companies artificially inflated the price of eggs paid by retailers and consumers nationwide.

As a result of settlements the coalition of states, the three companies will deliver a total of 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations across the participating states and pay a combined $3.3 million. Under a separate settlement with DOJ and the coalition of states, the companies will also adopt compliance measures to prevent future illegal coordination. New York will receive 4,968,000 eggs, all of which will be distributed through Feeding New York, the statewide network overseeing New York’s food banks. With today’s delivery, more than one million eggs have been distributed to food banks in New York, including in Brooklyn, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Southern Tier. Deliveries statewide will continue through October.

Attorney General James joined the DOJ in securing this settlement with the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Invests Nearly $4 Billion Dollars in Public Safety Since Taking Office as State Sees Sustained Reductions in Crime

Governor Has Provided Record Support For Local And State Law Enforcement

New York State Has Seen a 10 Percent Decrease In Index Crime With Reductions Across All Seven Crime Categories

Shooting Deaths Fell 62 Percent, Murders Down 57 percent

28 Percent Decrease in Burglaries, a 19 Percent Decrease in Motor Vehicle Thefts

Governor Hochul today updated New Yorkers on her record investments in public safety, which have contributed to a significant reduction in crime and gun violence throughout her tenure. To date, the Governor has invested nearly $4 billion in public safety initiatives — including gun violence prevention, subway safety, hate crime prevention, and border security — while providing historic support for local and state law enforcement from Long Island to Buffalo. As a result, New York State has seen a 10 percent decrease in index crime, with reductions across all seven crime categories and a more than 60 percent decline in shooting deaths since the Governor’s first full year in office.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office," Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump administration has cut funding for critical counterterrorism and transit security initiatives and made concessions to the gun lobby, we've invested nearly $4 billion in statewide public safety programs and driven crime rates to record lows. As Governor, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect New York communities — with or without support from Washington.”

As a result, between January through March 2026 compared to the same time period in 2022, New York State has seen a 10 percent decrease in total index crime, with reductions across all seven categories. This includes the four violent offense classifications — murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — which fell by 15 percent, and the three property offense classifications — burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft — which decreased by 9 percent.

Additional highlights include a 57 percent decrease in murders, a 28 percent decrease in burglaries, and a 19 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts.

From January through July 2026, compared to the same period in 2022, New York State saw a 57 percent reduction in shooting incidents with injury, a 57 percent decline in the number of individuals shot, and a 62 percent decrease in shooting deaths.

Highlights of Governor Hochul’s investments in public safety include:

• More than $1 billion for gun violence prevention programs, $202 million for law enforcement technology and equipment upgrades, and nearly $50 million in other support, including $25 million to replace an antiquated records management system still used by police agencies across the state;
• More than $680 million for aid to prosecution;
• More than $667 million for aid to defense, including alternatives to incarceration, pre-trial services, and re-entry programs;
• More than $300 million invested in subway safety for increased law enforcement presence, safety upgrades, and SCOUT teams, reducing summer transit crimes to historic lows;
• $165 million for Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants;
• $120 million to combat retail theft; and
• $12 million for border security and safety.

For the FY27 fiscal year, Governor Hochul continued her record investments in public safety with:

• $352 million in gun violence prevention grants;
• $122 million to continue the increase of police presence on platforms and trains;
• $35 million for Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) program;
• $14 million for law enforcement and correctional activities performed by county sheriffs;
• $6.7 million increase for upgrades to DNA and drug analysis technology and accreditation and proficiency testing;
• $5 million for the State Police to develop a comprehensive plan for drone technology;
• $4.5 million to expand the Crime Analysis Center (CAC) network and complete statewide coverage by establishing a new center in Westchester County;
• $4.5 million to prevent and combat deed theft;
• $2 million to expand the State Police’s Auto Theft Unit (ATU); and
• $500,000 for a task force to protect from the threat of homegrown 3-D printed guns.

 

HAPPENING TOMORROW Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. FREE Movie Under The Stars Night

 

Lights, Camera, Action!

Friends, please join me and Team JZ TOMORROW, Saturday, August 15, 2026 for a Movie Under the Stars event featuring the 2025 children's favorite How to Train Your Dragon.

 

This event is FREE to the public. 

• When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 TOMORROW
• Where: Loreto Playground  (1111 Van Nest Ave. )
• Time: Movie will begin at approximately 8:00pm

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there to enjoy a fantastic night under the stars with friends and family. 

 

Yours Truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

 

VCJC News & Notes 8/14/2026

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Shabbos schedule

Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.

Here are the times you need:  

Shabbos Candles Friday 8/14/26 @ 7:37 pm

Shabbos Ends Saturday 8/15/26 @ 8:40 pm

If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah, please speak to one of the gabbaim.

Our enhanced kiddush has been a popular hit.  This week’s is sponsored by Benzion Panush to mark his retirement.  Come wish him a Mazel Tov! Join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company.

Shabbos parsha

Parashat Shoftim

This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Shoftim (read on 15 August 2026).

Shoftim (“Judges”) discusses guidelines of leadership, opening with a command to appoint judges and continuing to detail laws of kings, priests, and prophets. It also describes laws relating to cities of refuge for accidental killers, false witnesses, warfare, and the rite performed in a case of unsolved murder. [1]

Reminders and Announcements

1. Garage Sale and Ice Cream Social, August 30
   On Sunday, August 30, we will be having a combined Garage Sale and Ice Cream Social.  
   Garage Sale: 10 AM to 4 PM. No admission charge. A wide variety of items from furniture to sports equipment to toys to collectibles and more!
   
   
   Ice Cream Social: 2 PM to 5 PM. No admission charge. Come enjoy some ice cream, on us, and socialize with your friends and neighbors.
   
   
   50/50 Raffle: Participate throughout the day.  Winning tickets will be drawn at 4:30 PM.
   
   
   Vote for your flavor! Five of the favorites will be served. Vote by:

   • phone (718) 884-6105

   • email: info@vcjewishcenter.org

   • mail: Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

   • in person: Drop off a note at the synagogue office.

     Deadline to vote: 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
     
     

2. Save the date: Kristallnacht observance and lecture, Sunday Nov. 6

   
   

   The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center will be holding its annual Kristallnacht Commemoration Program with speaker Larry Hartstein.  More info to follow. 

   
   

3. What works for you?
   Please Help Us Plan for Events
   We have created a survey, Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Community Event Planning Survey, to help us set the direction for our activities.  We’d really appreciate your taking a few minutes to fill it in. Here’s the link: SURVEY
   
   

4. The VCJC Chavurah
   The VCJC Chavurah meets every Tuesday Night at 7:30 PM.  All are welcome to join us as we continue to learn together.

   No cost to attend and no prior experience is needed.

   If you are interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community, but want more details, contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org, or speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
   
   

5. VCJC Merch!

   We now have merchandise available with the VCJC logo and, in some cases, sayings.  We have shirts, hats, mugs, refrigerator magnets, and tote bags. These are provided through a Print On Demand (POD) model - so you pick what you like and order it.  It is then made to order and shipped directly to you.
   You can see an overview and some additional information on our VCJC Shop page.  You can go directly to the store itself to see all the things available, select sizes and colors, and get ready to flaunt your association with VCJC.

   
   

6. VCJC is now active on social media - follow us!
   We have launched both a Facebook page and an Instagram page.  Both have a nice amount of content already and we are planning both regular posts and a greater variety going forward.  Please take a look and follow us! Links are below.

   
   

7. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   -->You can do this!  We know you can! YES, YOU!

   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!  

Please help with information about buildings

As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463

Plattsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

 

Deontae Alexander, age 39, of Plattsburgh, New York, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, more commonly referred to as “MDMA” or “ecstasy.” 

Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam and Northern District of New York's First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Alexander admitted that on April 21, 2026, he agreed with Djosaha Azulphar to sell approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA to an individual who, unbeknownst to Azulphar, was an informant with the DEA. That day, Azulphar met the informant in Plattsburgh, NY. Alexander remained at a gas station across the street from the meeting, holding a backpack that contained approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA that was to be distributed to the informant. Alexander left the gas station with the MDMA and entered the nearby woods where he hid the backpack containing the MDMA near a tree. Approximately two hours later, Alexander returned to the woods and retrieved the backpack from where he had hidden it, though unbeknownst to him, DEA had already located the backpack and replaced the MDMA with rocks. When confronted by DEA, Alexander threw the backpack and attempted to run but was taken into custody.

“This guilty plea by Deontae Alexander is another example of the DEA’s unwavering commitment to disrupting those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous synthetic drugs in our communities,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Alexander attempted to distribute more than three kilograms of MDMA and took deliberate steps to conceal the narcotics in an effort to evade law enforcement. Thanks to the outstanding work of our DEA team, this dangerous supply of illicit drugs was intercepted before it could reach our streets. The DEA New York Enforcement Division remains steadfast in identifying, investigating, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and hold those individuals who fuel the illegal drug trade fully accountable.”

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said, “As a result of this plea, Alexander now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking illicit narcotics. Working alongside our partners at the DEA, the United States Attorney’s Office remains firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting anyone who seeks to profit from distributing dangerous drugs in our communities. Those who choose to push illicit narcotics into our neighborhoods will face serious federal consequences.”

At sentencing, Alexander faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Azulphar has pled not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial on August 24, 2026. Azulphar is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the DEA. 

ICE Lodges Detainer for Illegal Alien Charged with Rape, Human Trafficking, and Sexual Abuse While Working as a Landlord in Kentucky

 

This previously-deported criminal illegal alien was previously convicted of driving under the influence

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking Kentucky officials to not release a criminal illegal alien charged with rape, human trafficking, and sexual abuse while working as a landlord.

According to local reporting, police in Louisville arrested the suspect, Rolando Cenobio Vasquez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, on July 29. Vasquez had been renting out a room to a mother and her 15-year-old daughter when he began abusing the teenager in December 2025. He reportedly committed acts of sexual violence while threatening both the child and her family, and even occasionally offering money to the victim to keep quiet about the assaults.

Rolando Cenobio Vasquez

Vasquez has been charged with THREE counts of rape, THREE counts of sodomy, human trafficking, promoting human trafficking with a victim under 18, and sexual abuse. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for driving under the influence of liquor. ICE lodged a detainer with the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on the same day he was arrested.

“This criminal illegal alien from Mexico has been charged with rape, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and other horrific crimes after he allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl while he was renting out a room to the girl and her mother,” said a DHS Spokesperson. “ICE has lodged a detainer asking officials in Louisville, Kentucky to not release this criminal from jail, and to hand him over to ICE custody so he can be removed from our country. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE has been unleashed to go after dangerous illegal aliens like this one so that we can make America safe again.”

Vasquez first illegally entered the United States through Texas in August 2013. He was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol and deported back to Mexico. He then illegally re-entered the United States at an unknown date and location.

Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Harvey Epstein Announce Fall Slate of Animal Welfare Caucus Programming

 

Events Include Adoption Pop-Ups, Vaccination Clinics, Pet Food Pantries, and Emergency Preparedness Workshops

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Harvey Epstein, Co-chair of the Council’s Animal Welfare Caucus, announced a slate of fall programming promoting responsible pet ownership and affordable pet services. The series kicked off over the weekend with a mobile adoption event in East New York with Council Member Chris Banks alongside Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).

Events are spread across the five boroughs and include adoption events, vaccination clinics, pet food pantries, and service animal preparedness workshops.

The programming is being organized by the Council’s Animal Welfare Caucus, which was established in March 2026 by Speaker Menin to improve the quality of life for animals and the New Yorkers who care for them. Led by Council Member Epstein, the Caucus works to advocate for the humane treatment of animals and advance legislation that makes pet ownership more affordable.

“Every New Yorker who welcomes an animal into their life deserves access to affordable, reliable care, and that’s exactly what this fall’s programming delivers,” said Speaker Menin. “From mobile adoption fairs to vaccination clinics, our fall program is meant to meet pet owners where they are, across the five boroughs to bring access to essential pet needs closer to your door. I am grateful to Council Member Epstein for leading this initiative, and thank you to our partners across the animal welfare community for bringing this programming to life.”

“Every New Yorker should be able to care for their pets, regardless of their income, and that means making sure families have access to the food, veterinary care, and resources they need,” said Council Member Epstein. “I’m excited to help lead the implementation of these programs, and I am grateful to the Speaker for her leadership in improving access to essential resources for pets across the city. Alongside adoption events and other community-based efforts, these investments will help keep pets healthy, keep families together, and give more animals the loving homes they deserve.”

The full list of events, through the end of the year, is listed below:

August

  Aug. 8: Animal Care Centers Mobile Pet Adoption with Council Member Chris Banks, Brooklyn
  Aug. 16: Positive Tails Vaccine & Wellness Clinic, Brooklyn

September

  Sept. 19: Animal Care Centers Mobile Pet Adoption with Council Member Harvey Epstein, Manhattan
  Sept. 24: Community Cat Shelter Building Class, Queens
  Sept. 27: NYCEM Annual Pet & Service Animal Preparedness Fair, Manhattan
  Sept. 27: Animal Care Centers Mobile Pet Adoption with Council Member Shaun Abreu, Manhattan

October

  Oct. 4: LIC Feral Feeders Pawp Up Adoption Event, Queens
  Oct. 11: Mobile Pet Adoption with the ASPCA, ACC and Council Member Linda Lee, Queens
  Oct. 15: City Hall Chamber Event, Manhattan
  Oct.17: PuppyKittyNYC Adoption Event, Queens

November

  Nov. 13: Volunteer Day, PuppyKitty NYC, Queens

December

  Dec. (Date TBD): Positive Tails Vaccine & Wellness Clinic, the Bronx