Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared at an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, resisting efforts to transfer him to New York to face murder charges.
The 26-year-old was seen shouting at reporters and scuffling with police as he entered the court.
Mangione’s lawyer declared his client’s intention to contest extradition, stating, “He’s pleading not guilty to those offences. I haven’t seen any evidence that he’s the shooter.” Authorities arrested Mangione on Monday at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a six-day manhunt spanning multiple states. He was allegedly found carrying a weapon resembling the murder gun, a silencer, a fake ID, and three handwritten pages expressing frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system.
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on December 4 outside a Manhattan hotel in what police have called a “targeted attack.” Investigators suggest Mangione’s grievances with the healthcare industry may have been a motive, though prosecutors have yet to cordd donfirm this.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul indicated she would approve a warrant for Mangione’s extradition. Meanwhile, defense lawyers have a two-week window to challenge the transfer.
Mangione, a Maryland native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, faces additional charges in Pennsylvania, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and providing false identification. His family expressed shock over his arrest and have extended their condolences to Thompson’s family.
Philips Babatunde