New York Governor to Seek Warrant for Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case
The individual accused, Luigi Mangione, requested a hearing regarding his extradition.
On December 10, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced her intention to sign a request for a governor’s warrant, aimed at ensuring that Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would be “held accountable” in New York.
“I extend my deep gratitude to the brave men and women in law enforcement whose tireless work in solving the tragic murder of Brian Thompson led to the arrest of a suspect in Pennsylvania,” she stated.
“I will collaborate with the District Attorney’s Office and will authorize a request for a governor’s warrant to guarantee that this individual faces trial and is held accountable.”
Mangione was present in a Pennsylvania courtroom on December 10; his attorney, Thomas Dickey, indicated that his client wishes to pursue a hearing regarding extradition.
Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, New York City, on December 4.
Mangione was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
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A Pennsylvania police complaint asserted that Mangione was involved in forgery, unlawfully carried a firearm, tampered with records or identification, possessed criminal instruments, and misidentified himself to law enforcement.
On December 10, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office indicated it would pursue a governor’s warrant.
On social media, Hochul stated: “This significant investigation has involved a partnership between [the New York Police Department, New York State Police, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office], and our counterparts in Pennsylvania.
“I am thankful to every law enforcement officer contributing to the resolution of this tragic case.”
Her remarks coincided with condemnation from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who characterized the shooting as “horrific” and remarked that “violence as a response to corporate greed is intolerable.”
Judge David Consiglio of the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County denied bail for Mangione and on December 10 issued an order stating that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had 30 days to secure a governor’s warrant.
The order also stipulated that Mangione would continue to be held at the state correctional institution SCI-Huntingdon, with a 14-day window to file for a writ of habeas corpus, a procedure to contest his detention.
A felony warrant from New York referenced Altoona police confirming that admissions related to the crime were discovered among Mangione’s possessions.
The Associated Press acquired a law enforcement bulletin indicating that Mangione was likely driven by resentment toward health insurance firms.
The bulletin noted that Mangione labeled Ted Kaczynski, known as the “Unabomber,” a political revolutionary and that his targeting of Thompson seemed to carry symbolic meaning.
It also mentioned that Mangione criticized healthcare companies as parasitic, observing the juxtaposition of rising profits and stagnant life expectancy.
During the December 10 court session, Mangione, 26, maintained a stoic expression but made an attempt to speak at one moment before being silenced by his attorney. Upon his arrival at court, he shouted and wrestled with officers.
“Regrettably, we are unable to comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione,” the statement read.
“Our understanding is based solely on media reports. Our family is in shock and deep distress over Luigi’s arrest. We extend our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and urge people to pray for all involved.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
