Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism in connection with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in a Manhattan court after Thompson was shot outside a hotel in New York on December 4.
Mangione was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles, having been arrested in Pennsylvania shortly after Thompson’s death. He opted to waive extradition and was flown to New York for his court appearance on December 23, marking his first chance to officially address the charges brought against him by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
He’s up against a bunch of charges from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, including first- and second-degree murder, illegal possession of a weapon, and having a fake driver’s license. His lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, mentioned that they’re ready to “fight these charges to the fullest,” whether it’s in state or federal court.
“She said he’s being treated like a human ping pong ball,” she added.
Mangione is looking at two separate trials for the allegations against him: one in state court and another in federal court. Both cases will be happening at the same time, and the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has confirmed to CNN that they’re working with federal authorities for Mangione’s arraignment on the state charges.
On December 19, the US Department of Justice unsealed a federal criminal complaint that accused Mangione of having “stalked” Thompson in the days leading up to his death.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that the Justice Department has filed federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione. He stated that Mangione allegedly spent months planning his attack and stalked his victim for several days before committing the murder, carefully deciding when, where, and how to execute his plan. Garland expressed appreciation for the hard work of state and local law enforcement in tracking down and arresting Mangione to ensure he faces justice for his alleged actions.
Edward Y. Kim, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, described the incident as Thompson being ‘gunned down in cold blood,’ emphasizing that the victim was killed simply for being the CEO of a health insurance company.
Alongside the charges from the Manhattan District Attorney, Mangione is also facing additional charges in Pennsylvania related to a 3D-printed gun and a fake ID that were reportedly found on him when he was arrested by Pennsylvania authorities.