Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, is set to be transferred to New York custody after waiving his right to extradition during a Pennsylvania court hearing. Mangione, 26, was arrested on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel in what authorities have described as a premeditated assassination.
A New York grand jury has indicted Mangione on 11 charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism-related murder. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are also expected to file additional charges, potentially opening the door for the death penalty, despite its long-standing prohibition in New York.
At the time of his arrest, Mangione was found with a self-assembled handgun, a silencer, and fake identification documents. Authorities believe the weapon matches the one used in the killing of Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest U.S. health insurer.
Mangione has gained a controversial following, with some supporters decrying the healthcare industry’s high costs and practices. A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse, criticizing the insurance industry while supporting Mangione.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has classified the killing as an act of terrorism, alleging it was intended to intimidate or coerce the public and influence government policies.
Mangione remains in custody as he awaits trial.
