What Luigi Mangione Shouted After Being Charged With Murder
A man accused of killing healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been charged, but his lawyer says he didn’t do it. The lawyer also shared details about emails received about his client.
Luigi Mangione has refused to be extradited after being charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, who was shot before a conference in Manhattan. While being taken into custody, Mangione made brief comments to reporters during a tense scuffle with police.
Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024, after an employee at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania called the police about a suspicious customer. The man reportedly had a gun, a mask, and writings that authorities believe are tied to the crime.
Reports say a customer named Larry, who was at the McDonald’s, noticed the man sitting in a corner with his hood up. Larry’s friend pointed out that the man looked like the New York shooter and mentioned that his backpack seemed familiar. At first, Larry thought the man was just an employee on break.
Mangione’s arrest led to a tense court appearance in Blair County. Wearing an orange prison uniform and shackled, Mangione was closely watched by six officers as he entered the courtroom.
He quietly unfolded a piece of paper and waited for 15 minutes until his lawyer arrived. Mangione, 26, spoke only twice during the hearing. He said “I do” when sworn in and answered “Yes, sir” when asked if he understood his rights.
Mangione’s lawyer, Tom Dickey, objected to the arrest warrant, saying it didn’t include the term “criminal homicide.” However, the District Attorney insisted it did, and the judge overruled the objection. Dickey also requested bail, arguing that Mangione had no prior criminal record and suggesting electronic monitoring instead. The judge denied bail and ordered Mangione to remain in custody.
Mangione’s defense team now has 14 days to file a petition challenging the state’s evidence. A hearing will be scheduled after this period if the petition is filed.
During the hearing, Mangione stayed mostly silent and looked straight ahead, following his lawyer’s advice to remain quiet. Dickey later said, “He shut his mouth, which is good, that’s what he needs to do.”
Outside the courtroom, Mangione caused a scene. While being escorted, he struggled with police officers and reportedly shouted at reporters, calling the situation “out of touch” and “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”
Investigators later revealed more evidence tying Mangione to the crime. They found a three-page handwritten note, described as his “manifesto,” and entries in a spiral notebook defending his actions. In the notebook, Mangione reportedly compared himself to the Unabomber and wrote that using a bomb might kill innocent people, but shooting would be more precise.
The notebook also included details of his plans to kill the CEO at the conference. Police say Mangione arrived in New York on November 24, 2024, and began planning the assassination.
Mangione’s lawyer, however, remains skeptical of the evidence. Dickey said, “I haven’t seen any proof they have the right guy,” adding that New York officials must convince him of his client’s guilt.
Dickey also revealed that his office had received emails offering to help fund Mangione’s defense. While he acknowledged the support, Dickey said he “probably wouldn’t” accept the offers, explaining that it didn’t feel right to him.
On social media, some people have shown sympathy for Mangione, even calling him a “hero.” These reactions seem to reflect frustration with the U.S. healthcare system, though Dickey declined to say who had hired him to represent Mangione.
As the case continues, debates over Mangione’s guilt, motivations, and public reactions persist. His trial is expected to attract significant attention as it touches on issues of justice, public sentiment, and the challenges within the healthcare system.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching effects, whether Mangione’s claims or his lawyer’s doubts are proven right.
