CEO Murder Suspect Luigi Mangione Rants in Court, Vows to Fight Extradition

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court Tuesday, where he ranted against the charges and vowed to fight extradition to New York.

Luigi Mangione started ranting and raving at reporters after arriving at Blair County Courthouse for his extradition hearing on Dec. 10, 2024. Daniel McKnight / New York Post

As he was escorted through the Blair County Courthouse in an orange prison jumpsuit and white canvas booties, the 26-year-old Ivy League graduate shouted at reporters, calling the situation an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.”

Mangione, who hails from a prominent family in Towson, Md., is facing murder charges in Manhattan for allegedly shooting Thompson on a Midtown sidewalk last week. Authorities believe the shooting was fuelled by Mangione’s vendetta against the medical industry, possibly stemming from his long battle with back issues that had significantly affected his quality of life.

It’s hugely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and the lived experience,” Luigi Mangione screamed at reporters, snarling as cops rushed him into the courthouse. Getty Images

At Tuesday’s hearing, Mangione’s defence attorney, Tom Dickey, told Judge David Consiglio that his client would not waive extradition. “He is contesting it,” Dickey stated, setting up a legal challenge that could take weeks to resolve.

The defence lawyer also argued for bail, though Mangione, appearing scruffy and agitated, grinned intermittently at his lawyer during the hearing.

During the proceedings, Dickey attempted to downplay Mangione’s face mask, which he wore during his capture, by suggesting it was merely a precaution against COVID-19 rather than an attempt to elude authorities. Mangione began to speak about the mask but was quickly silenced by his attorney.

Mangione is facing murder charges in Manhattan for allegedly murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Benjamin B. Braun/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

Mangione, captured after a customer recognised him from surveillance photos released during the search, was found to possess $8,000 in cash and $200 in foreign currency. Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks argued for Mangione to be held without bail, noting the large sum of money in his backpack. Mangione shook his head as the details were presented.

Mangione’s attorney, Tom Dickey, speaking to the press after the extradition hearing. Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

The court proceedings marked the beginning of a process that could delay his extradition to New York. Mangione’s lawyer has two weeks to file a formal challenge to his detention. New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office has 30 days to submit a warrant to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for Mangione’s return.

Mangione is fighting his extradition to New York from Pennsylvania. Benjamin B. Braun/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

Mangione remains held at a state prison in Huntington, PA, as the legal battle unfolds. According to sources, when Mangione was arrested, he was found with a three-page manifesto criticising the healthcare industry, referring to its leaders as “mafioso.”

Mangione left court after the hearing. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

He reportedly described himself as a “hero” for killing Thompson in what he called a “symbolic takedown” of the company’s corruption. Mangione’s manifesto expressed disdain for the industry, claiming its leaders “simply had it coming.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motives behind the killing, which Mangione has described as a direct challenge to the healthcare industry’s “power games.”