A McDonald’s employee who helped police apprehend Luigi Mangione—the suspect accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—may face hurdles in claiming a $60,000 reward.
The tragic incident unfolded on December 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson, 50, was shot in a targeted attack while heading to his company’s investor meeting. The New York Police Department (NYPD) released surveillance footage of the suspect and offered a $10,000 reward, which was later supplemented by the FBI with an additional $50,000.
The manhunt ended when the McDonald’s worker in Altoona, Pennsylvania, recognized Mangione from the footage and alerted police. Authorities discovered Mangione in possession of forged documents, a ‘ghost’ gun, a silencer, and clothing matching that of the shooter. He was promptly arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including murder.
However, despite their key role in Mangione’s capture, the McDonald’s employee might not receive the reward. Both the NYPD and FBI have stringent rules about reward eligibility.
The Fine Print: Why the Reward Might Be Denied
For the FBI’s $50,000 reward, a tipster must be nominated by an investigating agency such as the FBI or Department of Defense. An interagency committee then evaluates the nomination, and the Secretary of State has the final say. Factors like the value of the information, level of cooperation, and perceived threat play a role in determining the payout.
The NYPD’s $10,000 reward, managed by Crime Stoppers, requires tipsters to follow specific procedures. They must submit information anonymously and obtain a unique reference number to track the claim. Reports indicate the McDonald’s employee called 911 instead, bypassing Crime Stoppers’ system, which could disqualify them.
Moreover, both rewards hinge on the suspect being convicted, meaning the McDonald’s worker would need to wait until Mangione’s trial concludes—a process that could take years.
