Calling 911 may not have worked in the fast food server’s favor

A lawyer has explained why the McDonald’s worker who tipped police off to Luigi Mangione’s whereabouts might not get the reward money.

Mangione, 26, had been wanted in connection to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who died on December 4 at the age of 50.

There was a nationwide manhunt for the alleged killer, with the New York Police Department offering $10,000 to anyone with information.

Meanwhile, the FBI offered its own $50,000 tip-off reward for information.

After a few days on the run, the 26-year-old alleged shooter was spotted at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

An employee at the restaurant called 911 to alert police, who rushed over to arrest the suspect.

After being apprehended by police, Mangione faced a Pennsylvania court yesterday (December 10) and was charged with murder and four other counts including firearms charges, as well as facing extradition back to New York – something he has contested.

Mangione has been denied bail and he’s believed to be a flight risk.

Luigi Mangione has been charged with murder (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

While they are said to be the person who called the cops, there’s a chance the staff member in question won’t get the total $60,000 reward.

Taking to Twitter to explain why, a 30-year trial attorney and YouTuber who goes by Lawyer Lee on social media said: “Legally speaking, the tipster has the right to up to $60,000 in reward money – $10,000 from the NYPD and $50,000 from the FBI.

“However, in many cases, they do not pay, or avoid paying for as long as possible.”

She continued: “The $10,000 is stipulated for calling the hotline and could be denied because 911 was called instead.

“The $50,000 is subject to review and technicalities are often used to avoid payment.”

Lee also pointed out that there are conflicting reports on whether it was a McDonald’s customer or employee who spotted Mangione.

People have since reacted to the news, with one going as far as labeling themselves as ‘speechless’.

Yesterday Mayor Eric Adams said “a McDonald’s employee” notified law enforcement. Today, we hear it was really a customer.

Legally speaking, the tipster has the right to up to $60,000 in reward money — $10,000 from the NYPD and $50,000 from the FBI.

However, in many cases, they… pic.twitter.com/p5Q2tFAeem

— Lawyer Lee (@LawyerLeeW) December 11, 2024

“I’m speechless, this is so bad,” they commented on the tweet.

“Ain’t nobody seeing no money,” said a second person.

Elsewhere it was suggested that someone will only receive the award money once the culprit is convicted.

Another issue the rightful tipster faces is that if they want to get their hands on the FBI’s $50,000 reward, they have to be nominated by an investigating agency.

Once nominated, it will go to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision.