The "brazen and targeted" killing of health insurance executive Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, outside a New York hotel this week shocked America. The reaction to the crime also exposed a simmering rage against a trillion-dollar industry.https://t.co/1HpUVrkKYt
— Juan Gérvas (@JuanGrvas) December 9, 2024
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Pennsylvania court on Tuesday to fight his extradition to New York. Mangione was arrested Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, where police found him with a weapon matching the one used in the crime, a fake ID, and clothing identical to the suspect’s. During his court appearance, Mangione yelled as cameras filmed his arrival.
NEW: Murder charge filed against UnitedHealthcare CEO suspect in New York.
Luigi Mangione is currently behind bars at a state correctional facility in central PA, after being charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors here in the Altoona area. https://t.co/QnY59NYd8S
— Gary Grumbach (@GaryGrumbach) December 10, 2024
“It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience,” he shouted. His lawyer, Thomas Dickey, confirmed that Mangione will contest the extradition. Judge David Consiglio denied Mangione bail but gave his lawyer 14 days to file a writ of habeas corpus.
Luigi Mangione's GoodReads is filled with popular science (Grit), great man theory of everything books (Yuval Noah Harari) and interesting favorited quotes like Krishnamurti: “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society"https://t.co/8xBVarDitk
— Emma Goldberg (@emmabgo) December 10, 2024
The judge also granted prosecutors 30 days to produce a governor’s warrant from New York to proceed with the extradition. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the New York arrest warrant, charging Mangione with second-degree murder, multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and possessing a forged document. Mangione’s family released a statement expressing their shock and devastation.
They offered prayers to the Thompson family and asked for public support for all affected.
Police said that Luigi Mangione, 26, was in possession of a "ghost gun" that was likely manufactured using a 3D printer and was capable of firing 9mm rounds. He also had a suppressor.https://t.co/0ujQwQW8us
— Bernd Debusmann Jr (@BernieDebusmann) December 9, 2024
Mangione fights extradition in court
Reports have emerged about Mangione’s troubled past, including a recent spinal surgery that led to estrangement from friends and family.
His mother filed a missing person report on November 18, the last known contact. The White House condemned the murder, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “We condemn violence in the strongest term. This is horrific. Violence to combat any sort of corporate greed is unacceptable.”
Internet sleuths have taken an interest in the case, conducting their own investigations and discussions online. David Sarni, a former NYPD detective, noted that while some amateur detectives can be helpful, their involvement often spreads inaccurate and potentially harmful information. Friends and family have described Mangione as a thoughtful, well-adjusted young man with chronic back pain.
His former high school classmate, Freddie Leatherbury, expressed shock at Mangione’s arrest, recalling him as smart, socially adept, and athletic. Mangione remains in custody without bail at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution. A preliminary hearing for the related weapons charges is set for December 23. As the legal proceedings continue, many questions remain about his alleged motives and possible accomplices.
