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ALTOONA, Pa. — The man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare’s CEO will be extradited to New York to face charges after agreeing to the transfer during a court appearance in Pennsylvania on Thursday. Luigi Mangione was arrested last week after spending five days on the run.
In exchange for waiving a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges, Mangione’s defense received a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department. He also waived his right to contest extradition to New York.
Blair County Judge David Consiglio issued an order for Mangione to be handed over to the New York Police Department (NYPD). Several uniformed NYPD officers were present in the courtroom during the proceedings.
Mangione, who was indicted on Tuesday, faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on December 4. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the crime as a deliberate act of terror, saying, “We allege that Luigi Mangione carried out the brazen, targeted, and fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This kind of premeditated gun violence will not be tolerated.”
The indictment charges Mangione with three murder counts, including one for first-degree murder categorized as an act of terrorism. Bragg cited various factors, including the public admiration Mangione received after the shooting and the fear it sparked among other executives, in making this determination. Mangione could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
The shooting occurred as Thompson was preparing to meet investors at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel. On December 9, Mangione was located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, when a McDonald’s employee tipped off authorities about a man resembling the shooting suspect. Police found Mangione sitting at a table in the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop.
Upon questioning, Mangione provided a New Jersey driver’s license, similar to the one used to book a hostel in New York before the incident. Authorities later confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest.
