Luigi Mangione, the suspect indicted in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived his right to an extradition hearing and is expected to be flown back to New York to face multiple charges. Mangione appeared in court in Blair County, Pennsylvania, where he smiled with his attorney during the one-hour proceeding. Supporters of Mangione were seen outside the courthouse with signs that said “Free Luigi.” He is currently being held at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution. Mangione was indicted in New York on 11 counts related to the ambush shooting of Thompson on December 4.
New York prosecutors announced the indictment on Tuesday, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that Mangione plans to waive extradition and will be brought to New York promptly. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that New York is prepared to hold Mangione accountable for the crime. Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested in Pennsylvania on December 9 and charged with forgery and weapons-related offenses. It is believed that he may have targeted Thompson due to grievances with corporate America and the health care system.
The indictment in New York includes charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, possession of weapons, and possession of a forged instrument. Mangione’s attorney has stated that he plans to plead not guilty in both the New York and Pennsylvania cases. Federal prosecutors are also considering whether to bring charges against Mangione. His defense team has raised concerns about potential double jeopardy and are preparing to fight the charges in court.
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