Luigi Mangione, the suspect indicted in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived his right to an extradition hearing and will be flown back to New York. After appearing in a Pennsylvania court for a preliminary hearing, Mangione was ordered into the custody of the New York City Police Department. He was then flown back to New York on a small plane from Altoona-Blair County Airport. Mangione is expected to face federal criminal charges in New York and appear in federal court in Lower Manhattan.
His attorney stated that they are ready to defend the charges against Mangione in both New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione had supporters outside the courthouse carrying signs saying “Free Luigi.” He was indicted in New York on 11 counts related to the ambush shooting of Thompson on December 4th.
Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested in Pennsylvania following a manhunt. He had complained about corporate America and the healthcare system in his writings and social media posts. The New York charges against him include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of a forged instrument.
His attorney has said he will plead not guilty in both the New York and Pennsylvania cases. They are prepared to fight the charges in court and have raised concerns about potential double jeopardy issues due to the federal government potentially adding charges on top of the existing ones.
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