A man from Hopkins was taken into custody outside the UnitedHealthcare headquarters located in Minnetonka after he allegedly threatened to attack the building. The incident occurred on Monday morning, with the individual reportedly informing the FBI of his intentions should his prior criminal charges remain unresolved. Authorities identified the suspect as Ian Stanley Wagner, age 26, and upon his peaceful surrender, officers discovered a loaded .38-caliber revolver and a bag containing 16 additional rounds in his vehicle.
This event follows the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City last December. Despite the recent incident and the ongoing case involving Luigi Mangione, the alleged shooter in Thompson’s death, police and company officials have indicated no direct connection between Wagner and UnitedHealthcare.
Authorities were already aware of Wagner’s mental health challenges and prior legal issues, including a conviction for threats of violence earlier this year in Hennepin County. At the time of his arrest, Wagner was wanted on multiple warrants related to restraining order violations. A petition for an extreme risk protection order has been filed by Minnetonka police, citing Wagner as a danger to himself and others. He is currently held in the Hennepin County jail with bail set at $500,000, facing charges of threats of violence and illegal possession of a firearm.
The situation unfolded after the FBI received communication from Wagner, who had expressed his intention to “shoot up” the UnitedHealthcare facilities. Additional law enforcement and negotiators were deployed, and nearby commercial buildings were placed on temporary lockdown as a precaution. Eventually, Wagner complied with law enforcement and surrendered without further incident.
Wagner’s legal troubles include previous convictions and ongoing cases, with court records showing he was on electronic home monitoring following a conviction for threats of violence. His failure to comply with court orders resulted in outstanding warrants, and he is accused in separate incidents of violating restraining orders, potentially linked to a harassment case involving a college acquaintance.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and the potential repercussions of unresolved mental health issues. Businesses and communities may need to reassess their security protocols to ensure the safety of employees and visitors, particularly in light of threats or violent behavior.
The case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and mental health services in managing individuals with a history of violent threats or behavior. As instances of workplace violence remain a pressing issue, there is an increasing need for effective intervention strategies to address mental health concerns before they escalate to crisis points.