Luigi Mangione Lands In New York City On Helicopter For First Federal Hearing In CEO Killing Case

Luigi Mangione has made his first federal court appearance. The suspect accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson arrived in New York City on Dec. 19 to face charges of murder and stalking along with a firearm offense in a federal criminal complaint unsealed that morning. He was previously indicted on state counts of murder and terrorism. The 26-year-old landed in Manhattan by helicopter after waiving his extradition from Pennsylvania hours earlier. He was surrounded with a massive police escort that included New York City mayor Eric Adams and he reportedly changed from his orange jumpsuit to a navy pullover, white button-down shirt and khakis for the courtroom. Mangione is said to have confirmed to the judge that he understands his rights and the charges against him. He is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where Sean “Diddy” Combs is incarcerated, and will reportedly enter a plea at a later hearing. His next court appearance is scheduled for mid-January. Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said outside the courtroom that the defense team is declining to comment at this time and noted that her client appreciates the support he’s received. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., on Dec. 9 after a five-day manhunt following Thompson’s shooting death.