Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing Fights Extradition to New York

Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led into the Blair County Courthouse for an extradition hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pa., on Dec. 10, 2024. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Luigi Mangione, who is accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, fought extradition to New York during a hearing in a Pennsylvania court on Dec. 10.

During the hearing, Mangione was denied bail—something he has 14 days to challenge—while prosecutors raised concerns about him being a flight risk.

Mangione’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, said his client wanted a hearing on extradition. He also questioned whether a second-degree murder charge from New York might be eligible for bail.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said that it would seek a governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition.

Court of Common Pleas of Blair County Judge David Consiglio issued an order stating that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had 30 days to obtain a governor’s warrant. It also stated that Mangione will remain an inmate at state correctional institution SCI-Huntingdon.

Thompson was shot and killed outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, New York City, on Dec. 4. 

In court, Mangione, 26, stared ahead but began to speak at one point before being quieted by his lawyer. As he arrived at court, Mangione shouted and struggled with officers. Footage showed Mangione in an orange jumpsuit and seeming to state that something was “out of touch” and “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”

Manhattan prosecutors have charged Mangione with five counts, including murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He was apprehended at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was arraigned on Dec. 9.

A felony warrant from New York cited Altoona police stating that written admissions to the crime were found in Mangione’s belongings. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that Mangione was likely motivated by anger toward health insurance companies.

A Pennsylvania police complaint alleged that Mangione committed forgery, carried a firearm without a license, tampered with records or identification, possessed instruments of crime, and falsely identified himself to law enforcement.

The law enforcement bulletin said that Mangione described Ted Kaczynski, the “Unabomber,” as a political revolutionary and that Mangione’s targeting of Thompson appeared to be symbolic. It also said Mangione described health care companies as parasitic and wrote about how profits increased while life expectancy didn’t.

Mangione’s cousin, Maryland House of Delegates member Nino Mangione, posted a family statement on social media on Dec. 9.

“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione,” the statement read.

“We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”

The Associated Press and Nathan Worcester contributed to this report.