On Thursday, December 19, Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was transported to New York to face federal charges. A mob of armed NYPD officers in military tactical gear, FBI, and New York Mayor Eric Adams paraded Mangione in a perp walk from the helicopter that transported him from Pennsylvania.
Images of the large entourage have gone viral online, with some claiming it to be the “most badass” photo of the year. Others have called into question why Mangione received higher security than other criminals, including Charles Manson.
Mangione appeared in court, where a judge unsealed federal charges against him, pushed by the US Attorney’s Office. His federal charges include murder through the use of a firearm, stalking, and firearms offenses. He also faces charges from a New York grand jury, which include murder as an act of terrorism.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg defended the murder as an act of terrorism charge, stating, “This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.”
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said the federal charges blindsided them. “The federal government’s reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns,” she said. “We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.”
He will face a state trial before the federal trial. While the death penalty is illegal in the state of New York – the highest penalty he could face would be life in prison without parole – it could be an option if he is found guilty of murder in the federal trial.
While awaiting trial, Mangione is being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same prison where Diddy is being held. While at Huntington Prison in Pennsylvania, Mangione received 158 deposits into his commissary account and over 50 letters. Some admirers also noted that he appeared to have received a haircut since his mugshot in Pennsylvania.
He will face a hearing in Pennsylvania on February 24, though he will likely appear via Zoom. Justice Gregory Carro will oversee his New York State trial. Many lawyers have noted he’s “tough on crime” and “fast to prosecute.”
