How the six-day hunt for New York shooting suspect unfolded

Meanwhile, mixed reactions to the shooting and Mr Mangione’s arrest continue – sympathy for Mr Thompson and his family versus anger at the state of America’s expensive, vastly complicated healthcare system.

Online, the shooting prompted some criticism of the medical insurance industry, and Mr Mangione was even hailed as a hero.

Police in Altoona said the department received hundreds of emails and calls, including death threats. Some members of the public called police in support of Mr Mangione, claiming they were actually the killer and that police “have the wrong guy”.

And police are advising McDonald’s employees not to give interviews or statements out of concern for their safety.

The restaurant received hundreds of negative reviews online, calling employees “rats” and criticising them for calling the police.

Similar sentiments have been expressed online, often in posts by anonymous accounts. But others have condemned such sentiments.

“In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told reporters.

“I understand people have real frustration with our healthcare system… But I have no tolerance, nor should anyone, for one man using an illegal ghost gun to murder someone because he thinks his opinion matters most.

“In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: He is no hero,” Shapiro said.

With reporting by Cai Pigliucci, Jessica Parker and Madeline Halpert