Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, plans to plead not guilty and resist extradition to New York. His attorney, Tom Dickey, confirmed these intentions. Mangione was arrested in Altoona after being recognized by a McDonald's employee from police images.
At the time of arrest, Mangione possessed a 3D-printed pistol, silencer, fake IDs, and a manifesto against the healthcare industry. He faces multiple charges in Pennsylvania including forgery and firearm possession without a license. During his arraignment at Blair County Courthouse, he was denied bail due to flight risk concerns.
Prosecutors claimed Mangione had $8,000 in cash and foreign currency on him along with a passport and Faraday bag used for blocking cell signals. Mangione disputed these claims in court.
In New York City, Mangione is charged with second-degree murder among other offenses. He appeared again in Pennsylvania court where Judge Peter Weeks denied bail citing the severity of charges.
Mangione expressed strong opposition to the proceedings when escorted into Blair County Courthouse for an extradition hearing. "It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people," he said.
His lawyer argued that bail should have been set despite serious charges. “Bail is a constitutional right,” Dickey stated. He intends to challenge extradition through legal means.
CNN reported that if Mangione fights extradition further, he has 14 days to file for writ of habeas corpus which would lead to another hearing. Meanwhile, prosecutors must obtain a governor's warrant within 30 days.
Dickey asserted there is no evidence linking Mangione directly as the shooter and emphasized presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Mangione remains at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution pending further developments while his defense continues preparations for upcoming legal battles both in Pennsylvania and potentially New York.
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