Luigi Mangione, the individual suspected of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will be returning to New York City to face justice after he agreed to be extradited from Pennsylvania on Thursday where he was arrested days after the incident.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office indicted Mangione for first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. One of the charges has been labeled “killing as an act of terrorism.” If convicted, Mangione faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole. The suspected shooter will also face federal charges from the Southern District of New York, according to an Axios report.
Mangione is expected to appear in a New York court later in the day.
Luigi Mangione has been transferred to NYPD custody and is now on his way from PA to a NYC jail.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 19, 2024
Video via @ScooterCasterNY pic.twitter.com/UUdIL8CFvn
When the defendant first arrived at the Pennsylvania courthouse for his extradition hearing, he was met with a crowd of over 100 protesters supporting him, the New York Post reported. Some held signs displaying slogans such as “Health Insurance Practices Terrorize People” and “Murder For Profit Is Terrorism.”
One protester told The Post, “I think our country is broken, and the people don’t care about the working class.” He also suggested that if the allegations against Mangione are accurate, “he should suffer the consequences of what is handed to him, but I’m glad he brought attention to the fact that our country is broken.”
NEW: Two morbidly obese individuals protest outside of Blair County Courthouse, demand that Luigi Mangione be freed.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 19, 2024
The individuals were protesting against privatized healthcare.
This is likely the most physical activity they’ve gotten all year. pic.twitter.com/ZST3pNOINe
The shooting garnered national attention and has prompted a larger conversation about America’s healthcare industry, as the protester suggested. Many have expressed frustrations about the costs associated with insurance and getting medical help. A significant percentage of younger Americans indicated they supported Mangione’s alleged actions for this reason.
A recent Emerson College poll revealed that voters aged between 18 and 29 were split on the issue. About 41 percent believed the killer’s actions were acceptable compared to 40 percent who did not. Among Democrats in this age group, 22 percent approved while 12 percent of Republicans disapproved.
The shooting prompted a flurry of activity on social media among users supporting Mangione. Merchandise featured the phrases “deny,” “defend” and “depose” have been sold on digital platforms. These words were inscribed on the bullet casings that were found at the scene of the crime. Even some politicians appeared to somewhat justify the shooter’s alleged actions.
“All of that pain that people have experienced is being concentrated on this event. It’s really important that we take a step back, this is not to comment and this is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) during an interview.