NEW YORK – Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed confidence Wednesday that Luigi Mangione, charged with second-degree murder, will be extradited to New York to face justice for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
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Extradition and Potential Charges
“We will get the defendant here and bring him to justice through our court proceeding,” Bragg told media. He indicated that Mangione, 26, could face additional charges as investigators uncover more about the motives and circumstances surrounding the crime.
“As we learn more about motives and other things like that … there may be additional charges,” Bragg added.
In addition to the murder charge, Mangione faces allegations of criminal possession of a forged instrument and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
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Defense and Evidence
Mangione’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, stated that his client intends to plead not guilty, arguing that there is no evidence directly linking Mangione to the crime. However, Bragg remains steadfast in the prosecution’s case.
“We would not charge the person if we didn’t think it was the person,” Bragg said. “We’re on the path to accountability and justice.”
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Forensic Evidence Links Mangione
The New York Police Department (NYPD) revealed the first forensic evidence connecting Mangione to the murder. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, fingerprints recovered from the crime scene matched Mangione’s, and three shell casings from the Midtown shooting were linked to a 3D-printed ghost gun in Mangione’s possession at the time of his arrest.
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High-Profile Prosecution
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to its connection to the health insurance industry. Thompson’s murder, which occurred outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4 as he was heading to an investors’ conference, has ignited online anger and, disturbingly, some public support for Mangione.
“Celebrating murder is abhorrent,” Bragg said. “I sit across the table from families who’ve had a loved one killed. To think of people celebrating that … is beyond comprehension to me.”
Bragg also issued a stern warning to those contemplating similar actions: “We will be vigilant and hold people accountable.”
Addressing Ghost Guns
The alleged murder weapon—a 3D-printed ghost gun—highlights a growing concern for law enforcement. Bragg’s office has prioritized combating ghost guns, which are untraceable and increasingly accessible.
“It’s something we’re seeing more and more in use, speaking generally,” Bragg noted, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue.
Extradition Challenges
Mangione, apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday after a week on the run, is challenging his extradition to New York. The Manhattan DA’s Office has announced plans to seek a governor’s warrant to secure his transfer.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged her support, stating she will sign the warrant request to ensure Mangione faces trial.
Community Impact
Bragg acknowledged the case’s gravity and its impact on public safety perceptions in New York. “It is very scary,” he said. “It’s something that has the attention of so many who live here, so many who come to work here, and rightfully so.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with Bragg’s team, including some of Manhattan’s most seasoned homicide prosecutors, committed to pursuing justice for Thompson and his family.
