A grand jury in New York has started hearing evidence in the case against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan.
Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office are seeking to indict Mangione for the fatal shooting. The DA’s office declined to comment on the proceedings.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been in communication with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to expedite Mangione’s extradition after his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on unrelated charges. Hochul emphasized the urgency of bringing Mangione to New York to face justice, stating that the people of New York deserve to see the suspect held accountable.
Mangione is currently being held in maximum security at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania, though he is not in solitary confinement. He has not made any incriminating statements. Once an indictment is filed, Hochul will issue a governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition, with the process potentially stretching into December if the defense challenges the move.
Mangione’s lawyer, Thomas Dickey, has stated that his client intends to plead not guilty and will challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. Police have gathered forensic and ballistic evidence linking Mangione to the crime, including fingerprints on items found near the scene and a gun matching shell casings. Investigators suspect Mangione’s motive could stem from frustration with the healthcare system, possibly related to a back injury he suffered.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Andrew Witty expressed condolences for Thompson’s death in an internal memo, vowing to continue working toward better healthcare. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed public frustration with the healthcare industry’s practices, suggesting it could have played a role in motivating the crime.
