The man accused of fatally shooting healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York clashed with police and shouted at reporters as he appeared in court on Tuesday. Luigi Mangione, 26, attended an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania, where his lawyer, Thomas Dickey, stated he would contest extradition to New York to face murder charges.
Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Mangione declared the proceedings "completely unjust" and called the charges "an insult to the intelligence of the American people" as officers led him into court.
Arrest and Evidence
Mangione was apprehended Monday at a Pennsylvania McDonald's after a multi-state manhunt. Authorities reportedly found a gun resembling the murder weapon, a silencer, and a fake ID in his possession. He faces charges in Pennsylvania for possessing an unlicensed firearm and providing fraudulent identification.
Prosecutors argued that Mangione poses a significant danger, leading to a second denial of bail. The judge granted 30 days for prosecutors to secure a governor's warrant from New York to facilitate his extradition. New York Governor Kathy Hochul later confirmed she would issue the warrant to ensure Mangione is held accountable.
Allegations and Motive
Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4 in what police have described as a targeted attack. Thompson, who had served as CEO since April 2021, had received threats related to medical coverage prior to his death, according to his widow, Paulette Thompson.
New York police recovered a three-page handwritten note on Mangione, which reportedly expressed frustration with the healthcare industry and corporate America. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the note referred to "parasites" and suggested the act was premeditated.
Background of the Suspect
Mangione, born to a prominent Maryland family, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in software engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Friends say he left Hawaii in mid-2023 for spinal surgery after a back injury affected his mobility. His mother reported him missing in July, unaware of his subsequent movements.
In a statement, Mangione’s family expressed shock at his arrest and extended condolences to Thompson’s family, asking for prayers for all parties involved.
Legal Proceedings
Mangione faces murder charges in New York and is expected to plead not guilty to the Pennsylvania charges. His lawyer cautioned against rushing to judgment, emphasizing Mangione’s presumption of innocence. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with authorities piecing together Mangione’s alleged grievances and movements leading up to the attack.