A 26-year-old man accused of murdering a health care executive in Manhattan has agreed to be extradited to New York during a court hearing on Thursday. The man, Luigi Mangione, is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare.
Mr. Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after being spotted in a McDonald's. The Manhattan district attorney's office is pursuing charges against him, characterizing the killing as an "act of terrorism" intended to influence government policies and intimidate civilians.
Initially, Mr. Mangione indicated he would contest extradition, but he has since hired a prominent New York defense lawyer. Following the hearing, federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged him with additional crimes, including a murder charge that could lead to the death penalty, alongside the state charge of first-degree murder.
During the hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mangione appeared handcuffed and in an orange jail jumpsuit. He acknowledged understanding the proceedings and agreed to extradition. After the hearing, he was taken into custody by New York City police officers for transport to New York, where he is expected to await arraignment.
Mr. Mangione's Pennsylvania lawyer, Thomas Dickey, mentioned that prosecutors had agreed to expedite a police report in exchange for waiving a preliminary hearing on lesser charges he faces in Pennsylvania.
The courtroom was crowded with journalists and observers, and a small group outside showed support for Mr. Mangione, some wearing green hats resembling a character from the Mario video game franchise. Supporter Ashlyn Adami expressed concerns about issues in the health insurance industry, stating that while violence is not the answer, it has drawn attention to systemic problems.
Authorities allege Mr. Mangione shot Mr. Thompson multiple times near Times Square on December 4, prompting a five-day manhunt. At the time of his arrest, he was found with a gun matching shell casings from the crime scene and a document criticizing the health insurance industry.
The targeting of a health executive has sparked discussions about frustrations with the U.S. health care system. While some view Mr. Mangione as a hero, community leaders and law enforcement officials have condemned such views, with the New York Police Department commissioner expressing dismay at the glorification of the murder.
Mr. Thompson, who had been with UnitedHealthcare for over 20 years and became CEO in 2021, lived in a Minneapolis suburb. The company reported $16 billion in profits last year, with Mr. Thompson receiving over $10 million in compensation. UnitedHealthcare confirmed that Mr. Mangione and his family did not have health insurance through the company.
Mr. Mangione, a computer engineer, had previously undergone surgery for back pain in the summer of 2023. His activities over the past six months remain unclear, though he reportedly lived in Hawaii and traveled to Asia during that time. Friends and family had been unable to contact him during this period.