Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last week, clashed with officers Tuesday as he was escorted into a Pennsylvania courtroom. Mangione has decided to contest his extradition to New York, setting the stage for a prolonged legal process.
The 38-year-old suspect, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, struggled with police outside Blair County Courthouse, shouting to reporters, “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience.” Officers restrained him against a wall before leading him inside for a hearing where bail was denied.
Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona after a McDonald’s employee tipped off authorities about a suspicious customer. Police reportedly found Mangione with a firearm, a mask, $10,000 in cash—$2,000 of it in foreign currency—and a backpack resembling one seen in surveillance footage tied to the Manhattan ambush.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in an apparent ambush while walking to a hotel for an investor conference. Prosecutors allege Mangione targeted the UnitedHealthcare executive in what appears to be a premeditated attack.
Eyewitness Accounts in Altoona
A customer at the McDonald’s, who identified himself only as Larry, said a friend recognized Mangione. “He said, ‘That looks like the shooter from New York,’” Larry recalled. Mangione, sitting in a corner with his hood up, reportedly drew attention because his backpack matched one shown in media reports.
When officers approached Mangione, legal filings reveal he began shaking as he was questioned about his recent travels. Authorities say he gave them a fake ID. Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks disclosed that Mangione was found with a passport and additional writings criticizing the U.S. healthcare system and large corporations, including UnitedHealthcare.
Handmade Firearm Under Investigation
Investigators are examining whether Mangione built the firearm and suppressor used in the attack. Senior law enforcement officials confirmed that both items appeared to be handmade. Mangione’s writings, recovered at the time of his arrest, allegedly included statements such as, “Frankly, these parasites had it coming,” and an assertion that he acted alone.
Legal Challenges and Background
Mangione has been charged in Pennsylvania with weapons violations and forgery in addition to the New York murder charges. His legal team’s decision to fight extradition could delay his transfer to New York for weeks.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources released a photograph of Mangione receiving a traffic violation notice in Honolulu in November 2023, the last record of his residence.
Authorities continue to investigate potential motives behind the killing. UnitedHealthcare has declined to comment on the case.
