The man accused of shooting and killing healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York clashed with police and shouted at reporters as he was led into court for an extradition hearing on Tuesday.
Luigi Mangione, 26, appeared in court in Pennsylvania, where his lawyer, Thomas Dickey, stated that his client would contest being moved to New York to face murder charges.
“I haven’t seen any evidence that he’s the shooter,” Dickey said.
Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Mangione attempted to address the media as he arrived, yelling phrases such as “completely unjust” and “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”
Officers quickly escorted him into the courtroom.
Mangione was arrested on Monday at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania after a manhunt spanning several states.
Authorities say he was found with a firearm similar to the one used in the killing, a silencer, and a fake ID.
He has been denied bail twice, with prosecutors arguing that he poses a danger to the community.
Following the hearing, the judge granted prosecutors 30 days to secure a warrant from New York Governor Kathy Hochul for his extradition.
Governor Hochul later confirmed she would issue the warrant, stating,
“I am coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office and will sign a request for a governor’s warrant to ensure this individual is tried and held accountable.”
Outside the court, Dickey spoke to reporters, emphasizing that his client was presumed innocent.
“You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” he said, adding, “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.”
In addition to murder charges in New York, Mangione faces multiple offenses in Pennsylvania, including providing false identification to police and possessing an unlicensed firearm.
He remains in custody at a Pennsylvania state prison and intends to plead not guilty.
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was killed on December 4 in what police have described as a targeted attack.
He was shot outside a Manhattan hotel where his company was holding an investors’ meeting.
Thompson, who took over as CEO in April 2021, had reportedly received threats related to medical coverage before his death, according to his widow, Paulette Thompson.
However, prosecutors have yet to confirm a motive for the killing.
As police continue to investigate, more information has emerged about Mangione’s potential motive.
Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives for the New York Police Department, revealed that a three-page handwritten note was found on Mangione during his arrest.
The note allegedly expresses frustration with the U.S. healthcare system and corporate America, with Mangione referring to “parasites” that “had it coming.”
He also reportedly wrote that he acted alone in the attack.
Former friends of Mangione have shared additional background details.
They revealed that he had been suffering from a back injury and left a surfing community in Hawaii in the summer of 2023 to undergo spinal surgery.
RJ Martin, a former roommate from Hawaii, stated that the injury prevented Mangione from performing everyday activities.
Mangione’s family has also spoken out, expressing shock at his arrest.
In a statement posted by his cousin on social media, the family offered condolences to Thompson’s family and asked for prayers for everyone involved.
“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” the statement read.
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