Luigi Mangione, the man suspected in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, yelled and struggled with officers outside a Blair County courthouse where he contested extradition back to New York to face charges. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk and Claudia Vargas have the latest information on this case.
An attorney for the man suspected in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson said his client will likely plead not guilty to the charges he faces after his arrest in Pennsylvania on Tuesday evening.
Hours earlier, his client, Luigi Mangione, screamed a nearly unintelligible outburst on Tuesday as he was being led into a courthouse in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
The 26-year-old Mangione could be heard shouting out a statement to members of the press gathered to film his steps into the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg.
While it is difficult to understand what he attempts to say, the suspect mentions the words "an insult to the intelligence of the American people" as officers turn him away from members of the press and lead him inside.
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The alleged gunman was in the courthouse on Tuesday for an extradition hearing after he was arrested at an Altoona McDonald's restaurant on Monday.
Following that arrest, Mangione has been charged with forgery, providing a false identification to police, and firearm offenses.
The Penn graduate is expected to face murder charges in New York City after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was slain outside the Hilton New York Midtown hotel on Dec. 4, where company was holding its investors' conference.
A days-long manhunt ended on Monday after the alleged gunman was identified as a potential suspect in Thompson's slaying by a person inside the McDonald's restaurant, officials said.
Also, at the time of his arrest, the alleged gunman was found with a 3D-printed handgun and a three-page, 300-word rant that police claim says, "I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done."
However, during an evening press conference, Mangione's attorney, Thomas Dickey, said his client may plead not guilty to charges against him.
Though, Dickey said, he "wasn't aware" of any charges in New York against his client.
But, in the case of the forgery and weapons charges that Mangione faces in Pa., Dickey said, his client plans to plead not guilty.
"For the record, he's pleading not guilty," said Dickey.
Asked by members of the press about elements of the case, including the items allegedly found in Mangione's possession at the time of his arrest, Dickey said that he still hasn't seen "any evidence" that his client was involved in this incident.
"I haven't seen any evidence that says he's the shooter," said Dickey.
During the day's hearing, attorneys for Mangione said he is going to contest his extradition.
Also, a judge has denied Mangione's bail.
Mangione has 14-days to appeal and is expected to be in court again in about a month, following a holiday break. Until then, he will be kept in police custody.
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