The family of Luigi Mangione have released a statement after he was arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive Brian Thompson.
The fatal shooting of Thompson in New York on December 4 grabbed the attention of the world, sparking a manhunt for the suspect that lasted five days. Ultimately 26-year-old Mangione, the privately-educated son of a prominent Maryland family, was arrested in a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
Yesterday, December 10, Mangione appeared in court for the first time, emerging from a patrol car to shout about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies struggled to force him inside the courthouse.
The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate’s lawyer says his client will plead not guilty, while Mangione is currently battling attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face the murder charge.
It’s perhaps only to be expected that there’s been an immense amount of confusion in the days following the fatal shooting of the aforementioned Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. The 50-year-old was shot three times while walking to the New York Hilton Midtown, but it took five days – and a tip-off from a member of the public – for the police to track down and apprehend Mangione.
The 26-year-old’s family released a statement yesterday for the first time since his arrest, via his cousin, Maryland Delegate Nino Mangione.
“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” the statement said.
Mangione’s family offered prayes to Thompson’s family and asked people to “pray for all involved.”
“We are devastated by the news,” the statement finished.
According to reports, Mangione was arraigned in Hollidaysburg, Pa., where he is being held without bail. He faces five charges in Pennsylvania, including two felony charges for forgery and carrying a firearm without a license. His next court hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 23.
